R4. Walk the length of Pool Grove to emerge in a clearing, Linden Glade.
Ahead of you is a large Holly that is especially resplendent with berries. Holly is dioecious which means that there are separate male and female plants with only the females producing berries. To its left are two Corsican Pines which drop cones in the Autumn although these are buried amongst the Brambles and may be hard to find.
The name Linden Glade comes from the 6 Lime (or Linden) trees that form an arc around the rock pile. These have flaky bark and slender twigs with reddish buds. Behind the Limes are two very tall Larch trees.
The old pond here disappeared when vandalism and cost caused the water to be turned off. In 2016 FSW restored the pond by digging out the silt and reproofing the surface. We hope that it will be a source of water for wildlife and a feature of interest for many years to come. Sadly it seems to have a leak but we are looking at ways of fixing this. You may be lucky enough to spot or hear a Tawny Owl, as there is a roost a little further into the wood behind the glade.
Turn right past the Memorial to Col. H.S. Wood and continue along West Gorse to the T junction.
About half way along West Gorse you will see a deep crater to your right. There are several of these throughout the wood, believed to be the result of WWII bombs which were jettisoned over the wood.
Turn right along Farleigh Border.
About half way along Farleigh Border, you will see the remains of a huge Oak that has been cut up. This was blown down by Storm Eleanor in the first week of 2018. It completely blocked the path but was cleared within 2 days by Council contractors. Measurement of the girth of this tree suggests that it was between 110 and 120 years old.