Wistman’s Woods - British Sheepskin

Wistman’s Woods is easily the most famous example of English Rain Forest. What characterises an English rain forest?

Firstly, it’s defined by teeming life. Life upon life upon life. A natural free for all provided for by abundant water higher up the canopy – not that the canopy gets to be very high up in an English rain forest (sometimes called a Celtic rainforest). This type of woodland is typicified by stunted oaks, far smaller than you may be used to seeing, festooned with garlands of vine and moss.

With so many species of flora competing we can see at Wistman’s woods that mosses hang down and even little saplings take root half way up an oak trunk. As one life pales, countless others are just getting started inside, outside and on top of everything that came before. 

With great fame came great irresponsibility, however, and Wistman’s Woods is now closed to recover. We have published a short list of five alternatives that you may visit whilst giving Wistman’s woods a break. There are dozens of patches of rainforest in the Westcountry, we urge you to check the map (by clicking the link above) and checking out your nearest rainforest. Always take everything you brought with you home – left over picnic can always be wrapped up in your sheepskin and bundled in a rucksack safely. Dartmoor Sheepskins can be washed and dried in a standard machine.