FEROCIOUS winds which ripped their way through south Cumbria last week have felled dozens of trees.

Trees measuring more than 50ft were toppled in Great Knott Wood, on the banks of Windermere, after the exposed woodland was hammered by bad weather.

Woodland Trust site manager, Heather Swift, said: “The wind came from an unusual direction which these huge fast growing trees couldn’t cope with as roots has insufficient grip on the wet, rocky ground.”

In total 170 trees were brought down by the winds resulting in a mass of tangled branches and splintered wood blocking visitor entrances to the wood.

Fortunately the prized Blessed Talking Tree was spared by the weather's onslaught and emerged unscathed.

Work is now under way to clear the affected parts of the wood, but it will be a long and difficult process.

The Woodland Trust estimates the blocked routes should be reopened by Easter if weather conditions remain favourable.

Great Knott Wood one of the few remaining areas of ancient woodland in the UK. It is used by the Woodland Trust as a restoration demonstration site to educate and inspire visitors’ understanding of why ancient woodland is so important.