And so we see, in contrast to the English oak (Quercus robor), this specimen has both a consistently longer petiole (typically 1.4 cm) as well as generally broader leaves (5-10 cm cf. 4-8 cm). We would therefore classify the oak population of the Caledonian Forest as a separate subspecies, Q. robor carver, in honour of that legendary woodsman who rejuvenated the forests of Britain after the building of the Lady Esus and the fires that ravaged both London and Scotland at that time. Interestingly, the largest individual tree at the site (trunk in excess of 4 meters in diameter, estimated age 800 years) shows no conclusive deviation from Q. robor. We therefore suggest that this indicates there may be some truth to the legend, and hypothesize that this tree may have been grown from one of the original seeds transplanted here c. 1200 AD, long before the subspecies diverged.

- Extract from the Journal of Dendrobiology, 1973

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of England, there lived a woodcutter. And one day, he met a princess. And a king, and a knight, and a god, and a priest, and a great many other people. And soon they came to realise that the worlds were in peril - but you know that story already. Most stories end after the ark of the Lady Esus was built and the darkness sent to rest in the heavens - but that is where this one begins.

The forests had suffered a great deal during this time, and one man - the humble woodcutter - took it upon himself to restore the forests to their former glory. From the ashen wastes of London to the charred moors of Caledonia, the woodcutter breathed life back into the wild places. Though the task seemed daunting at first, the woodcutter persevered, day after day, year after year, and eventually humankind’s debt to the forests was repaid. From then on the woodcutter continued to keep watch over them for the rest of his days. He kept watch, too, over all the people and creatures of the forests; he helped all those who crossed his path in need and always protected the balance of nature and the forest.

And neither did he forget the people of all those other stories. Some say it’s on a full moon, while others say it’s on midsummer’s day, but everyone agrees that if you make your way to the heart of the forest at just the right time, there you will find a circle of statues: of humans, of gods, of queens of Sicily and kings of Britain, of saints, humans, and dragons, and fae who gave their lives to save the world. All the characters of the other stories found their way into this one, too, and here they are remembered forever.

~*~

Some call it a myth, or a legend, or a faerietale, but one thing is certain: throughout the centuries, this story, and many others like it, have inspired people to venture out into the woods with axe in hand and carry on the noble traditions of helping those in need and finding balance with nature. From woodcutter, to forest warden, to park ranger, even today the spirit lives on.