I did a quick dive into the old maps and the local archives—there’s a mention of a “Spreywood” in the 18th‑century parish register, probably the same as the Whispering Wood. The spring itself is recorded in a 1902 naturalist’s journal as a shallow, cool pool that disappears when the surrounding trees die out, which the folklore explains with the “whispering” spirits keeping it alive. So the myth and the biology kinda match up, but the spirit part is just a poetic way the folks kept the grove sacred and protected it from over‑harvesting. It’s funny how the legend talks about fragile life too—like the woods whisper to keep the spring safe, just like we try to guard our own delicate ecosystems. If you’re ever in the area, try walking the loop at dawn; the wind through the leaves sounds exactly like a hush, and the spring’s mist feels almost real.