Braced against the wind

Trees that grow in windswept locations develop the most extraordinary shapes, best seen at this time of year. Has the genetic code dictated all these twists and curls in the branches, or are they a function of the ever swirling winds? Perhaps a combination of the two. At any rate, such hardy survivors always win my admiration.

The photograph was taken at the foot of Sale Fell looking across fields towards Skiddaw (left) with just a small amount of snow remaining on its summit.