Landscape in the Scottish Borders

Britain is known for being very green, which is due to the country receiving quite a large amount of rain. However, all that rain does make for very beautiful, lush countryside, as demonstrated here in this picture from the lovely Scottish Borders region near Kelso. Green as far as the eye can see, a couple of horses contentedly grazing, a small pool of water, and all being watched over by a mighty oak tree. For me, this is the type of scene that really epitomizes beautiful Britain.

Fun fact: Oak trees can live for over 1,000 years, although a more usual lifespan would be 600 years. (Info from the Ancient Tree Inventory at the Woodland Trust.) The Major Oak in Sherwood Forest, associated with Robin Hood, is estimated to be between 800 and 1,100 years old! It’s such an elder statesman now that some of its limbs have to be propped up.