Old Sarum

Looking down into the ditch on the south-western side of Old Sarum, from the top of the inner bank. The recently cut beech stump in the foreground is a sign of recent clearance work, advertised by English Heritage as being about scrub removal to help stabilise the topsoil on the ramparts. The mature beech trees are supposed to be left intact - perhaps this one was considered dangerous? Beyond the outer bank a plume of smoke is rising from a smouldering fire of cleared wood.