Cedar cuts a bold dash among the grey ranks

Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire Spring hasn't ignited its neighbours but this red-barked giant is vibrant in the sunlight

A banner of red falls amid ranks of anaemic grey: if sentient, this tree would have to be either mortified or cocksure, cutting such a bold dash in demure company. I shamble through ankle-snagging greenery and brownery as if through stubborn snow. My steps are crisp and disturb a sweet smell.

I get to the tree. It's magnificent: 40 metres at least. It seems all trunk, until odd, brief branches pop from its bark, lichen-greened serpents from a mythical head. Higher, and finally, the serpent branches thicken and burst with evergreen.