The queen of trees

This avenue of ancient beech trees lines one of the well-trodden paths at Harlestone Firs, woodland which forms part of the Althorp Estate in Northamptonshire. The beech, sometimes known as the queen of trees in the UK (where oak is the king), can soar up to 130ft (40m) in height and live for over 400 years.
© Andrew Baskott/Alamy