BNPS_AncientTreeGraffiti_04.jpg

Add to Lightbox

Image 1 of 1

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)<br />
Pic: ZacharyCulpin/BNPS<br />
<br />
Pictured: Lawrence Shaw, archaeologist at the New Forest NPA with graffiti of a man with his hands in the air. The graffiti is thought to be around 100 years old as the tree gets bigger the carving warps around the tree.<br />
<br />
Fascinating ancient graffiti which was carved into the trees of the New Forest centuries ago is being formally recorded for the first time.  Initials, dates, pictures, poems and royal marks which vary in size from 4ins to 2ft can be found throughout the national park in Hampshire.  There are also various examples on display of concentric circles, known as 'witches marks', which were carved to ward off evil spirits.  In total, hundreds of examples of 'tree graffiti' are being documented in a new database set up by the New Forest National Park Authority.

BNPS.co.uk (01202 558833)
Pic: ZacharyCulpin/BNPS

Pictured: Lawrence Shaw, archaeologist at the New Forest NPA with graffiti of a man with his hands in the air. The graffiti is thought to be around 100 years old as the tree gets bigger the carving warps around the tree.

Fascinating ancient graffiti which was carved into the trees of the New Forest centuries ago is being formally recorded for the first time.  Initials, dates, pictures, poems and royal marks which vary in size from 4ins to 2ft can be found throughout the national park in Hampshire.  There are also various examples on display of concentric circles, known as 'witches marks', which were carved to ward off evil spirits.  In total, hundreds of examples of 'tree graffiti' are being documented in a new database set up by the New Forest National Park Authority.  