12th January 2024
Essex ATF Local Group: field trip to Furze Wood – 16th December 2023
Image credit: James Chambers – Attendees gathering with the volunteers at the event meeting point, by our prized ATF flag!
The Essex ATF local groups final veteran tree walk of 2023 involved approx. 35 attendees, and a multitude of truly magnificent trees at the wonderful Furze Wood, Mistley.
This location is host to several ancient veteran oak pollards, and something of a hidden gem as many of the attendees hadn’t been aware of the location and its trees before the event.
Image credit: James Chambers – heading off from the first tree of the event, “Mistley’s Majesty”.
We started the walk at “Mistley’s Majesty”, a lovely hollow old oak pollard with lots of character, before heading into the woods. There was a rugby match shortly after this photo was taken, but due to our careful planning and ‘precise time management’ (ahem), we were already in the woods by then.
Image credit: Steve Woodley – talking through the many interesting features of a veteran oak tree.
Our next stop was by another lovely old hollow oak which has historically lost limbs both up in the crown and lower down the stem, providing lots of wildlife habitat potential.
Image credit: James Chambers – “Big Foot”, a mighty ancient veteran oak pollard of national special interest, with the attendees slowly tearing themselves away!
Big Foot, a truly magnificent ancient oak pollard prompted much discussion and interest. While the group were admiring the tree, a resident from a nearby property noticed us and called out “…that tree is 700yrs old!”. We were grateful for the advice, and certainly couldn’t argue with the estimate!
Image credit: Steve Woodley – admiring a huge old alder coppice!
We then moved on to a remarkable alder coppice with a huge basal circumference. There is another, smaller alder coppice not far away as well. This prompted interesting discussion about the history of the site, with ancient coppice and pollards in fairly close proximity. How had this unusual combination of circumstances come about, over the ages?
Image credit: James Chambers – A mirthful moment during our exploration of the woods.
It’s important to thank all the attendees for making the event so enjoyable. There were many interesting discussions with questions and answers from all participants, particularly some knowledgeable locals who shared information about the remains of some military buildings which are dotted in between the trees here and there.
Image credit: James Chambers – amazing growth around the base, visually similar to “The Crinoline Lady” at Thorndon Country Park.
Those of us who’d been on one of our earlier walks this year recalled “The Crinoline Lady” from Thorndon Country Park and noted the visual similarities with another old oak pollard at Furze Woods. We discussed the various theories about this unusual kind of growth might be explained.
Image credit: James Chambers – An impressive adventitious root in “Mistley’s Monster-ess”
Another interesting feature was some well-established internal adventitious rooting in one of the large old oaks. A remarkable demonstration of natural recycling taking place as the tree draws on the nutrients becoming available decomposition of internal wood, which once formed the trunk of the tree itself!
Image credit: James Chambers – The group following a trail through the woods!
Furze Woods isn’t a huge site, but there is lots to see. There are several well worn tracks meandering around the site, which doubtless provides habitat for a range of wildlife throughout the year.
Image credit: Steve Woodley – all the attendees gathered by “Old Knobbly”, another magnificent ancient oak pollard of national special interest.
One of the highlights of the day was meeting “Old Knobbly”, another important, named tree of national special interest, and the most famous tree at the site.
This old beauty prompted lots of discussion about how best to manage ancient and veteran trees, in order to prolong their lives as much as possible.
The tree has been suffering physiologically of late, probably due to a combination of factors such as recent hot summers, soil compaction and sadly, vandalism as it has been set on fire in the past.
Perhaps some mulch and a low fence with some signage explaining the importance of this tree (and ancient trees in general) might help?
Image credit: A helpful attendee using James Chambers phone. The Essex ATF volunteers (minus Matt who sadly couldn’t make it).
Once again, we’d like to thank all the attendees who make these events so interesting and enjoyable. This was a particularly interactive event, exactly as we’d hoped and always seek to encourage.
Lots of really interesting questions, local knowledge and valuable input from another fabulous group.
We’re very much looking forward to at least four events in 2024 and encourage anyone who has any interest in visiting and discussing ancient and veteran trees to join us, no tree expertise necessary! Of course, fellow arbs are also very welcome!
Hope to see you in 2024, tell your friends!
Steve Woodley and James Chambers
7th December 2023
Essex ATF Local Group: Field Trip to Danbury Lakes Country Park- 29 October 2023
Ancient Tree Forum Essex Local Group visit to Danbury Lakes Country Park
near Chelmsford Essex.
Sunday 29th October 2023
Image credit: Bo Chapman
Building on the success of the first two walks held earlier in the year, it was time for the Essex chapter to host another event. After various sites were considered, Danbury Lakes was settled on.
Owned by Essex County Council since the late nineteen forties it has been a Country Park since 1974. Covering a mere twenty five percent of the former grounds it is still an impressive place.
In its early years it was developed into a deer park and hints of those times are left in the topography of the land. It boasts three impressive lakes which are thought to date from that period.
The ATF were well represented on the day with a decent amount of volunteers on hand to help guide the attendees through the walk. Jim Chambers, Steve Woodley, Matt Searle, Annie Hooper and Robin Hellier were all present in their `Low Viz’ tabards.
Image credit: Bo Chapman
Whilst the volunteers waited for attendees to arrive the heavens decided to open. The rain began to fall and would provide a backdrop for the entire duration of the visit. But still people began to arrive. In ones and twos the group started to grow, till eventually we had approximately thirty five people ready to go.
Initial safety briefing completed the group headed off led by ever enthusiastic Jim Chambers.
Image credit: Bo Chapman
The first main stop was at stunning old standing dead oak. A shadow of its former self, Its hollow form polished by thousands of hands and feet, it was highlighted as an example of the cultural importance of standing dead trees. One of the volunteers was actually photographed as a five year old in that very tree, it being present in its current form fifty years ago at least!
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
Next we headed to the bottom lake and started looking at some oak pollards of venerable age. This allowed for discussions on various topics covering management pressure including compaction and disease.
Image credit: James Chambers (on an earlier site recce when it wasn’t raining!)
A little further on some oak and beech trees offered up some resident fungi, and nearby a fallen ‘phoenix’ holly stimulating yet more debate.
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
Pressing on we came to the Ice house. A fantastic reminder of the days gone by and useful aid in helping to understand the landscape. Moving on we paused at yet more great old pollards and made our way towards the middle lake. Oak after pollarded oak was paused at, discussed and admired.
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
The weather was very wet, to say the least, so we were not able to spend as long as we might have with some of the trees, and decided to omit parts of the planned walk for practical reasons. This meant that we missed some of the great individual trees, so we may well return to this lovely park in the future.
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
At this point I would just like to say thank you to all those people who attended that day. We were so lucky to have many people attend who are not directly involved in the tree Management world, especially on such a rainy day!
As well as interested professionals we also had forest school educators and members of the general public in our ranks so the age spread was impressive. We are very pleased to see our desire not just to preach to the converted coming to fruition. Everyone stuck out the weather and seemed to get a lot out of the day.
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
Passing the top lake we choose a careful route to avoid a couple of trees we planned to return to, as perhaps the highlight of the walk. But the upper woodland contains several stunning veterans, so we still had plenty to see and discuss.
Image Credit: James Chambers (on an earlier site recce when it wasn’t raining!)
Several large oaks and one large Sweet Chestnut in particular are worth a visit to the site on their own and yet they are surrounded by many more fantastic examples. Tree after tree allowed for questions to be voiced by the group, leading to interesting discussions, something we’re always keen to encourage between all parties. These events are for everyone to enjoy.
We arrived as another remarkable pair of trees, a dead beech monolith and huge old oak pollard, where the forest school team were kind enough to share a story about the old beech tree. Many years ago before the war, many couples had carved their initials together in recognition of their relationships, and sadly this would be the last time many of those couples were together, a poignant reminder of the cultural significance that large old trees often have.
Image Credit: James Chambers (on an earlier site recce when it wasn’t raining!)
The dead beech tree itself also offers more information, as well intentioned management some years back is very likely the cause of the tree’s demise. Another useful lesson in how we are still learning about the best and most appropriate ways to manage old trees, and when intervention is actually necessary.
Later we finally arrived at what was the perfect end point for the walk. As we have in the past, we had prepared a ‘secret’ level 2 (and a brief level 3) for anyone who wanted to stay, but felt that the continuous rain would probably have deterred most on this occasion. And yet the vast majority of people wanted to continue even with poor weather. A testament to how much people had taken from the day.
Image credit: Bo Chapman
So, we did carry on, not quite as we had planned, but visited another area of the park containing several lovely old trees including one more hollowed out old monolith that was another focus of interest.
Image credit: James Chambers
All in all this was another great success, despite the inclement weather, and the ATF Essex chapter extends our sincere gratitude to all the attendees, who make these walks such an interesting and rewarding experience for all involved.
We are already looking forward to our next veteran tree walk this year, details to follow shortly!
Steve Woodley and James Chambers
5th October 2023
Yorkshire East Midlands Local Group: Field Trip to Fountains Abbey- 21 September 2023
Many thanks to National Trust Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal for hosting the ATF Yorkshire & East Midlands Field Meeting on the 21st September 2023. Fabulous trees and great discussions ranging from tree safety and saproxylic beetles to historic landscape considerations and managing the next generation.
ATF Yorkshire & East Midlands Local Group at Fountains Abbey
Photo Credit: Liam Plummer
ATF YEM
21st September 2023
Essex ATF Local Group: Field Trip to Thorndon Country Park- 12 August 2023
Image credit: James Chambers
This was the second event to be organised by the Essex branch of the ATF. Volunteer organisers that day were Annie Hooper, Jim Chambers and Steve Woodley. Also hosting the walk was Geoff who is a member of the ranger team responsible for the management of the site.
I would like to put on record our collective thanks to Geoff whose site knowledge allowed attendees to gather an understanding of Thorndon that would not have been possible in his absence.
Image credit: James Chambers
The day began with the standard safety briefing and sadly had to include the mention of the presence of Oak Processionary Moth. Thorndon, like so many similar sites around London has received its fair share of the unwelcome guest.
Safety briefing complete Geoff was introduced to the group and began by giving a brief but fascinating history to the site. Covering some 243 hectares, once owned by Lord Petre it was developed as a Deer park from around 1414 onwards. Built around the original Thorndon Hall it was eventually re landscaped by the famous Capability Brown in the 1760’s. This rich history has led to a vast collection of venerable old trees. The group was in for a long day!
Gently marshalled by the ATF volunteers in their `Low Viz’ green ATF tabards, the group headed off and assembled around the first tree, a stunning Hornbeam pollard, apparently a firm favourite of young visitors as its lower branches are easily accessible!
The first stop allowed the group to begin to understand the modern management pressures sites like these face.
Image credit: James Chambers
Moving on we arrived at the first showstopper. An absolutely huge old Downy Birch, a true survivor. So big at the base, from a distance you would never think it a Birch. Questions started coming thick and fast and Geoff and Jim did a great job in answering them.
Image credit: Bo Chapman
At this point it’s worth mentioning a little about the group. Building on the initial success of our first visit to Weald Country Park back in June of this year, it was fantastic to see so many people turn up to this event. 35 in total, the age range went from early twenties to far more advanced years and everything in between. Interested amateurs mixing with experienced and newly qualified professionals alike. Whilst there were many notable people present, one who stood out was Anthony Mills. Having his vast knowledge accompany the walk was super useful and our collective thanks goes to him for his extreme effort on the day. The distance covered and the terrain led to a challenging physical day even for the younger participants!
Image credit: James Chambers
The next group of trees were a stunning example of veteran coppice, pollard and coppard Hornbeam. A fantastic example of differing management practices throughout the previous centuries.
Image Credit: Steve Woodley
This area gave a wonderful feeling of place, it allowed people to really tie in the trees to the landscape. Various discussions looked at the tree spacing and historic techniques used in the creation of wood pasture and the demands placed on such an environment.
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
Also of note on this section is the Crinoline Lady. A majestic old Oak admired down the generations for its unique basal growth. Theories abound as to how this particular growth habit came about.
Image Credit: Bo Chapman
When Geoff and Jim had designed the walk they broke it into two levels of involvement, with a ‘secret’ third level to unlock for those who made it through the second! Level 1 complete, the group made a pit stop at the visitor centre for well-earned refreshments. Half hour later Jim invited the group to begin level 2 and approximately 20 people joined us as the walk headed south.
Image credit: James Chambers
Level 2 turned out to be the land of the giant Oaks, tree after tree came into view and led to some great discussion on how to approach different aspects of veteran management and the current thinking on certain practices. Whilst dominated by big Oaks, the area also contained a couple of thumping great Horse Chestnuts, and some remarkable hornbeam pollards.
Image Credit: Steve O’Reilly
Sadly, one large chestnut had recently failed at the base and lay on its side, its crown still towering above the attendees, but it led to some great conversation about habitat value of veteran naturalised species and the possible causes that led to the trees sad uprooting. Both the standing and fallen examples were riddled with cavities and torsional fractures.
Another member of the group, Duncan Fisher, an entomologist for Essex County Council highlighted the current understanding of invertebrate interaction with Horse Chestnut which was really interesting and gave greater understanding of the complex life that is hosted on these trees.
Level 2 was completed by a visit to Harold, a very large, sadly dead, example of a previous historic attempt at veteran management. Thought provoking.
Image credit: James Chambers
Jim revealed the ‘secret’ level 3, and with a promise of no level 4, invited any who wished to continue to visit the most incredible aerial root, something Ted Green had apparently said was the biggest he’d ever seen, some 20 odd years earlier.
Level 3 saw the exit of the majority of the group. In fairness to them, we had by then been walking for many miles. Farewells swapped, the last few die-hards headed back into the woods for a shorter final section.
While marvelling at the spectacle of this incredible aerial root, Duncan remembered that there was another tree somewhere nearby with a similar feature, and so after a brief discussion between the group we agreed to begin level 3B and go on a search for this other tree.
Image Credit: Steve O’Reilly
After a brief search Duncan did successfully locate the tree, another remarkable sweet chestnut hidden away in the woods. Finally, we all agreed enough was enough, and made our way back to the car park, using metaphorical blinkers to avoid being side-tracked by an almost continual array of other interesting trees and features on the way.
All in all the whole day was almost exactly 8hrs long, and based on the wonderful feedback and great levels of enjoyment we all experienced, the second Essex ATF field meeting was another great success.
Once again, we’d really like to thank everyone who took part, these events are such a pleasure because of the interaction between the attendees and volunteers as we enjoy the incredibly special veteran and ancient trees, wildlife and habitats and other wonderful features of the Essex countryside.
We are now planning a further 2 events this year (details to follow shortly) and look forward to welcoming everyone to join us once again soon.
Steve Woodley and James Chambers
27th July 2023
South Weald Park Fire Prevention in Ancient Oak Tree
South Weald Park near Brentwood in Essex is one of Essex County Council’s country parks, it has a good collection of ancient and veteran trees with many Oaks in the wood pasture area, these are in various states, many are old pollards some of which are hollowing.
About 10 years ago we were asked to advise on a tree that had been recently burnt, the tree, a large Oak pollard, was hollow with a small opening at ground level and a large opening at about 4 metres height, deadwood and material had been placed in the cavity from above and below and set alight, the lower opening acted as a vent and the upper as a chimney and according to a witness flames went metres in the air from the upper opening, the fire burnt itself out but later another attempt was made to build a new fire which luckily was prevented by the arsonists being disturbed.
I thought about various methods to prevent another fire and also the natural cycles of decay, hollowing and ageing of trees and how we might try and replicate these as well. The importance of wood mould occurred to me and how this is so valuable in hollow trees, the fact that it is naturally moist and therefore fireproof to a degree lead me to think of the properties of well-rotted woodchip as a substitute which may eventually replicate wood mould.
We could climb into the hollow stem from the upper opening and assess the cavity, any creatures in there at the time of the fire would have either left or perished but we checked in case any new inhabitants were there, the fire had completely charred the inside wall but it was still reasonably thick enough that the heat hadn’t killed the cambium, although this may occur in very thin walled hollow trees.
Image Credit: ATF
Fire damaged ancient oak, Weald Country Park
The park rangers had a supply of woodchip from the park trees which was brought to close by, this was to avoid importing any pest or disease on woodchip from afar but if you doing this any moist, well-rotted woodchip is better than none! We climbed into the cavity and attached 1 inch weldmesh which had been cut to fit around the inside of the lower opening with enough to allow the use of galvanised staples to attach it inside, this was to prevent the removal of the weldmesh. A pulley and small lowering rope were installed in the crown above the upper opening and the woodchip was hauled above and tipped into the cavity until it was full. The weldmesh prevented the woodchip from spilling out and the weight of the woodchip secured the weldmesh from tampering, within a small time period the weldmesh had surface rust and it was almost unnoticeable. This method is fairly flexible providing there is stable wood to attach the weldmesh, the gauge of the materials used can be varied according to the size of the area to cover but too thin a gauge may be easily damaged and too big mesh may leak woodchip.
Image Credit: ATF
Weldmesh inserted to retain woodchip
Consider management plans for any trees at risk of fire damage and especially consider the availability of fire-starting materials, arsonists are very resourceful!
Deadwood piles and dead hedges are easy targets and we have seen them used many times often with very damaging results to trees, the ecological benefits of these alternatives to chipping or controlled fires may be outweighed by their potential to be used by arsonists.
10 years on and the Oak is looking great and the cavity is still full enough to prevent any further fires.
Image Credit: ATF
Establishment of a native hedge to reduce compaction around a veteran oak at Weald Country Park.
James Curry
jamescurryarborist@outlook.com
27th July 2023
Yorkshire & East Midlands Local Group: Field Trip to Bradgate Park- 8 July 2023
After a long break, the Yorkshire and East Midlands Local Group had an inspiring field meeting at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire. We were welcomed and hosted by Matt and Lisa of the Ranger Team, whose passion and in-depth knowledge of the site made our day full and varied. What made a big difference, was how they had considered well what might be of interest, and how they lead us around the site in an engaging and informative way.
Bradgate Park
Image Credit: Helen Leaf
We looked at so many things – how new areas of woodland were planned, how some trees were retained for habitat value, how in-house timber is used, sustainability, income streams, how and where horse logging is used, coupes, bracken control, propping trees and more. And of course, we spent time with many of the veteran and ancient trees (including the oldest tree on site), some of which were in areas not accessible to the general public. This part of the day was a real treat.
Image credit: Helen Leaf
Despite a fairly drastic weather forecast (heavy rain), we had a good turnout, representing a nice mixture of skills and experience, and including some people for whom this was their first ATF event. All were glad to have come, nobody minded getting wet, and we thoroughly enjoyed our time with the trees. We left with good memories, and with a warm invitation to return, to visit more trees on another part of the site.
Helen Leaf
27th July 2023
Essex ATF Local Group: Field Trip to Weald Country Park- 27 May 2023
We decided to start relatively early so there would be enough car parking, only to discover there was a park run including the exact W3W location we’d chosen for the meet! Not to worry, as is the nature of running, they weren’t there for long, so our group assembled without too much strife.
ATF Essex inaugural event
Image credit: James Chambers
We had a great turn out of over 40 people, mostly arbs (many of whom are friends!) but also quite a few interested non-arbs, just as we’d hoped. It’s our clear aim to invite and encourage everyone who has even the most basic appreciation of and interest in veteran trees to come along and enjoy a walk and talk around looking at a range of wonderful specimens.
It was lovely to finally meet Bob Warnock in person, he has been instrumental in helping us set up a new ATF local group and reach out to so many people to join us.
So, after the group had gathered, we’d introduced ourselves and did a bit of housekeeping (and the runners had disappeared over the horizon) we ventured into the woods and found a lovely old veteran lime tree, surrounded by a recently planted hawthorn ‘security hedge’ around the dripline.
This prompted a quick discussion about how decay and deadwood in trees used to be considered dangerous and or unsightly, with veteran trees actually being removed in the past for reasons which would now be realised as unjustified.
Our walk moved on past some wonderful trees, barely time to look at a lovely old Monterey Pine and a variety of false acacias, indicating some planting had been undertaken here in the past, before we got to a very tall hornbeam just off the main path. When I say very tall, it may actually be the tallest hornbeam in the country! (NB. No actual measurements or comparisons have been made, so if you question this assertion you are invited to visit the tree yourself and work it out!).
We were very glad to be joined by Ecologist Duncan Fisher who provided some fascinating insight into the range of invertebrates that were likely to be present across the park, and the importance of ‘connections’ – sources of water and nectar – which are crucial for environmental factors for a wide variety of invertebrates.
Image Credits: Russell Miller
While we were listening to Duncan, Russell Miller briefly detained a wasp beetle to show the attendees! Later in the day Russell went on to confirm 31 species of beetle at the park!
There were lots of interesting discussions about various wonderful trees as we continued our walk, and before long we reached a huge old oak pollard that had required some very interesting bespoke management a few years back.
Jim Curry describes the steps taken to protect this tree from fire
Image Credit: Matt Searle
This hollow tree had previously had a fire set inside, which a hole in the lower stem had effectively created a ‘chimney’ effect, fanning the flames. Jim Curry related the story of how following that he had climbed into the trunk and used chicken wire to block the lower hole as well as filling the trunk with damp wood chip to prevent further fires. Happily, the tree is still doing remarkably well!
Walking hornbeam
Credit: Matt Searle
A little later we got to the fantastic ‘walking hornbeam’ where Geoff Clack told us the question he likes to ask people seeing the tree for the first time is ‘how many trees are here?’. He then described the process by which this remarkable tree had ‘walked’ across the park, repeatedly failing and then producing a new stem time and again over the years.
’Apatosaurus’ hornheam
Image Credit: James Chambers (July 2021)
One sad item during the walk was to confirm that the wonderful ‘apatosaurus’ hornbeam pictured above had recently succumbed to the forces of gravity and collapsed. It’s still there but in a rearranged state (thanks very much, Isaac Newton!), and will no doubt provide different habitat values over the coming years.
Ganoderma lucidum fungal fruit body, sample, and spore tube count (James Chambers) and spores under a microscope (David Humphries)
Image credit: James Chambers & David Humphries
Russell spotted what we suspected to be a fungal fruit body of the rare species Ganoderma lucidum – on an old hornbeam tree. In order to confirm our identification I took a small sample away. My fellow ATI Verfier, Basil Watkins, kindly advised that G. lucidum usually has about 5 spore tubes per mm, and after I measured that I sent the sample to another friend (and ATI Verifier) David Humphries who confirmed the size and shape of spores were correct with his microscope!
We were pleased to advise the park manager of this rare find.
Image Credit: James Chambers
Our long tree walk continued a little further and we found another old tree which had recently failed. Perhaps the most remarkable consideration about this failure was the fact that the tree had fallen entirely within the protective fencing positioned to deter the public from the danger zone! Isn’t nature amazing?!
Image credit: Bo Chapman
So, the first ATF Essex event was a remarkable success, and with huge thanks to everyone who attended, we are very pleased to announce that the next ATF Essex event will be happening at Thorndon Country Park on Saturday August 12th.
We hope to see you there, please tell anyone who might be interested, all are welcome!
James Chambers
27th July 2023
Cumbria ATF Local Group: Field Trip to National Trust Sizergh Castle and Estate 13 May 2023
With the sun beating down from a cloudless sky, Cumbria’s first ATF event since pre-pandemic took place at National Trust Sizergh Estate in partnership with Cumbria Woodlands, led by Area Ranger Sam Sharples and ATF staple Luke Steer.
This event was a little different to normal, with two walks in one day, giving more people the opportunity to take part. Holding the visits on a Saturday, with morning and afternoon events. ATF visits are generally limited to 40 people, and with over 300 regional members, we felt we could include more people by running two shorter events in one day.
Both walks inspired a number of questions from the groups around Sizergh’s trees, and their management, and ancient and veteran trees in general. A question that came up on both walks and is definitely a favourite of anyone interested in this area, “what defines an ancient or veteran tree?”. Luke handled this question with ease and interest in both cases, explaining far more eloquently than I could, how all ancient trees are veterans but not all veterans are ancient.
Ash dieback was a common theme, coming up upon entering the Flash Bank parkland on both walks as we stopped at a hollow, veteran ash pollard. Knowledge and advice on the topic were shared from Luke Steer and Clare de Villanueva, with Sam talking about how the National Trust are managing their trees. Ultimately, there seemed to be a more positive attitude around the outlook for ash among the groups after this discussion.
Sam gave us a history of the estate and the management of its trees over time, showing us some magnificent veterans within the parkland, with various management histories. Most memorably, he and Luke then swore us all to secrecy before showing us a 2000-year-old yew nestled in a woodland, and discussed the haloing work that has been happening around it for the last decade.
There were plenty of questions, opinions, advice, and discussion around the future management of Sizergh’s veteran parkland trees, including succession, which started some very interesting discussion from Luke and members of the group about Franz Vera’s work, the history of livestock farming in Cumbria, and how we can manage natural regeneration in parkland and wood pasture through grazing regimes.
The agricultural management of the parkland and its trees, and how changes to government subsidies will affect this was an important discussion and Sam explained how they have a new farm tenant, who started just a week before our visit and their tenancy was awarded after talks around how their business plan would work towards the National Trust’s nature and climate targets.
The most common question of the day was “when is the next event?”, so we know there is appetite for more ATF Cumbria activity and have already begun planning more events for 2023 and 2024, and remembering my suncream next time is top of the list.
Graham Watson
24th May 2023
Herefordshire ATF Local Group: Field Trip to Eastnor Deer Park 22nd April 2023
A view across the park towards Eastnor Castle
Image Credit: Jerry Ross 2023
The Herefordshire Branch’s second field trip this year was to Eastnor Deer Park, a tract of land in the south west of the county of about 2km by 2km. The park’s origins probably go back to medieval times, parts having formerly being part of the larger area of parkland associated with Bronsil Castle, 2km east of Eastnor, created c 1460 by Richard Beauchamp but the deer park in its present form was created some time in the late 18th century, while between 1810 and 1824 the then owner, the 2nd Baron (Lord) Somers had Eastnor Castle constructed on land across the road, to the south of the deer park.
Through the 18th century and into the 19th the pre-existing parkland trees had been supplemented by additional planting of individuals and clumps of tree with the intention of creating a ‘landscape park’ as idealised at that time. However, by the 20th century the fortunes of the Somers family had declined and the parkland was left largely to its own devices, until Elizabeth Somers Cock and Benjamin Hervey Bathurst took charge of the estate in 1949 when they began the process of restoring the castle and grounds to their former glory. This process has been continued by their son, James Hervey Bathurst, by whose kind permission we were granted access into that part of the deer park normally closed to the public.
Our guide to the site was Brian Jones, the ATI verifier who has assessed many of the 435 trees listed across the Eastnor Estate (a number that excludes trees within Eastnor Castle Arboretum where others are listed separately). Even within the car park where we gathered there were trees that were not without interest: a couple of mature oaks had recently been felled and within the felled stump of one we found a fungal bracket, identified by Russell Miller as Perenniporia fraxinea. Its common name is the Giant Ash Bracket and, while it is not wholly confined to Fraxinus, it was unusual to find it growing on oak.
Perenniporia fraxinea showing the characteristically contrasting colours and texture of the flesh and the tubes.
Image Credit: Russell Miller
Russell also pointed out in a felled section of the tree the abandoned galleries of tree ants which, despite no insects being present, he tentatively identified as having been created by Brown Tree ants (Lasius brunneus) or Jet ants (Lasius fuliginosus), both of which are usually found nesting in the rotting wood of trees and stumps.
Image Credit: Russell Miller
However, within the park itself there was no shortage of interesting specimens, one of the first being a substantial oak tree, recorded by Owen Johnson as ATI no. 42888. When it was recorded in 2015 it had a girth of 6.2m and was described it as having a ‘hollowing trunk and hollowing branches’. The tree is not within the closed deer park and it is quite close to a major footpath, much used by dog-walkers and others. No doubt for this reason the tree had been reduced quite heavily, with nearly all of its main branches having been cut back. This prompted some discussion as to whether this was the most appropriate form of management. The tree evidently retains very good vigour as notwithstanding the severity of its cut-back it produced dense regrowth from around all of the pruning points. In fact, comparing Owen’s photo from October 2015 with one taken in April 2023, albeit from the opposite side, it seems clear that it has been subject to further cut back, no doubt to control what was seen as excessive shoot growth at the branch-ends.
Tree 4288, in October 2015
Image Credit: Owen Johnson |
Tree 4288 in April 2023
Image Credit: Jerry Ross |
It was suggested that less aggressive crown reduction involving cutting branches back to suitable forks rather than ‘lopping’ them might have resulted in effectively reducing wind loading without stimulating the vigorous regrowth that seems to have resulted in the need to carry out further pruning after just a few years.
At the time of our visit there were only relatively few visitors, but Eastnor hosts numerous events throughout the summer months that help to finance the upkeep of the estate. Thus, the deer park is used for music and other festivals with significant areas used for camping and for caravans. Within these areas, tree safety must therefore be a high priority, a fact that no doubt explains some of what appeared as the rather drastic pruning that had been carried out on a number of trees. However, within the deer park proper, public access is restricted and risk levels (i.e. the probability that a tree failure might result in harm to person or property) are much reduced.
It was encouraging to see that some large debris from fallen or felled trees and from pruning events had been left to provide habitat for saproxylic organisms including one large collapsed oak that to expose cubical rot, probably caused by Laetiporus sulphureus (Sulphur Polypore).
Image Credit: Jerry Ross
This provided rich pickings, including the galleries of the Lesser Stag beetle (Dorcus parallelipipedus). Elsewhere Russell’s knowledge of entomology helped to confirm the biodiversity value of these old trees by identifying the Hawthorn Jewel Beetle (Agrilus sinuatus) as well as the exit holes of Death Watch beetle (Xestobium rufovillosum) and Fan-Bearing Wood Borer (Ptilinus pectinicornis).
Further on we came across a tree one half of whose trunk was dead and had clearly been so for some time. It was conjectured that this may have been the result of lightning, but it was the curiously hairy larva of Ctesias serra that was of particular interest. This is the Cobweb Beetle, so called because its larvae make a living by stealing the remains of dead insects from spider webs. This is a risky procedure and to prevent themselves from becoming food for the spiders whose larders they raid, when threatened the larva erects and vibrates the long bristles that covers its body, the spiders being unable to get their fangs through all those hairs! They are one of the species dependent on old and veteran trees, typically living under the loose bark of old and veteran trees. This one was hiding amongst the crevices of the exposed dry timber but despite being no more than a few millimetres long, it was spotted and photographed by Russell.
The cobweb beetle larva, and the queue to observe it!
Image Credit: Russell Miller
After retiring back to the car park, where the conveniently located Woodshed Café was available to provide drinks, snacks and cakes, a longish walk away from the deer park to another part of the estate took us to a particularly fine ancient oak, well over 8 metres in girth: a good climax to a good day!
Pedunculate Oak, ATI no. 42884
Image Credit: Jerry Ross
Our thanks go to Mr Hervey-Bathurst for facilitating our visit and also to Graeme Ker, the Resident Agent for the estate, for his assistance.
Jerry Ross
Herefordshire ATF
1st November 2022
ATF Field trip to County Hall and the Kenn Church Yew
ATF Field trip to County Hall and the Kenn Church Yew.
The weather was kind, and we had good attendance on the day. We looked at a range of Veteran Quercus x hispanica ‘Lucombeana’ or Lucombe Oaks as many phenotypes and a few different varieties exist today at County Hall. The recent history of this Quercus species was shared with the group, and we saw a few other gems. Including a Beautiful Fagus sylvatica ‘pendula’ or weeping Beech, a Pseudolarix amabilis or Golden larch, a Quercus canariensis or Algerian Oak and a Tetradium or Bee Bee tree and a Genista aetnensis or Mount Etna tree broom.
The neighbouring property, the Veitch families Otago house sits next door and some of their original trees still exist from the nursery and family home. According to Henry Girling the Lucombe, Pince and companies’ original nursery was at County Hall, plus a second site a mile away that later became Pince’s gardens. This explains the non-grafted original Lucombe at the County Hall site. Aran Kimberly kindly carried out a picus on one of the Lucombe’s and shared his findings and we are very grateful to you for the effort in making the day so insightful and special.
The Magic Tree references the Lucombe’s being a cross of Quercus cerris, Turkey Oak and Quercus Suber, Cork Oak and described as “some of the original reached about 35 ft (10m) in 11 years with straight trunks and corrugated bark. This is Lucombe’s Oak. It grows to about 100ft (30m) with spreading branches upswept at the ends and thick saddle like bases. The leaves last well into spring, unless the weather is very severe. The timber is fine and close-grained, pale yellowish-brown and might be a valuable fast-growing hardwood, were it not for its uneconomic propagation.”
The magic tree goes on to state “Seedlings grown from the original clone by William Lucombe’s son in 1792 showed considerable variations in vigour, evergreeness and shape and in the corkiness of the bark. The resulting trees have been often distributed erroneously, under the name Lucombe Oak.”
“The following are seedlings of the Lucombe Oak, raised at Lucombe’s Exeter nursery”
“Crispa called the ‘new Lucombe Oak’ was raised in 1792 by the younger William Lucombe. The bark is corky and the dark green leaves are whitish underneath, with rather crispy edges”
“Dentata raised in 1830 by Lucombe, Pince and company has a corkier bark than its parent. It has large evergreen leaves”
“Heterophylla has leaves of different shapes, the middle of some is reduced to a strip ¼ inch (6mm) wide. It was raised about 1830 by Lucombe, Pince and Co.”
“Suberosa raised in 1792 has 2 inch (5cm) thick corky bark, and small leaves. The original tree, at the entrance to St Thomas nursery was cut down in 1903. The tree by the Chapel at Killerton is probably Suberosa”
References taken from: The Magic Tree- Devon Garden Plants: History and Conservation. National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens (Devon Group) 1989. Devon Books, Exeter.
Larkbeare house was added on the day, a wedding venue for DCC. Home to a large Ancient, Castanea sativa or sweet Chestnut, a massive veteran Sequoiadendron giganteum and a beautiful veteran Tilia x europaea or common Lime and a young Quercus x turnerii or Turner Oak.
The day concluded at Kenn Church at the venerable Ancient Taxus baccata or Yew. This Breathtakingly, Beautiful tree is thought to be in the region of 2000 years old and it was agreed by the group to be at least 1500 years old and measured on the day, just shy of 11 metres circumference. A second Yew of this size class and status exists just 4 miles away at Mamhead church. Something for another day!!! Thank you to all who attended and especially Chris Knapman for his vast and valuable knowledge which he openly shares with all and for supplying the amazing photos, a masterclass talk on the incredible giant puffball, Calvatia gigantea with a delicious example shown on the day.
We had some great debates and few laughs along the way. Thank you so much to the core Devon ATF group, our Chair Mat Shute and to all the members who support the events and for making our day and group such a success.
Bob Stevenson Devon Tree Officer
Quercus x hispanica ‘Lucombeana’ Chris Knapman
Sorbus devoniensis, Chris Knapman
Quercus x hispanica ‘Lucombeana’ Chris Knapman
Quercus x hispanica ‘Lucombeana’ Chris Knapman
Genista aetnensis Mount Etna Broom Chris Knapman
Genista aetnensis Mount Etna Broom Chris Knapman Mount Etna Broom in flower Sicily, Italy.
Castanea sativa Chris Knapman
Castanea sativa Chris Knapman
Tilia x europaea Chris Knapman
Taxus baccata Chris Knapman
Taxus baccata Chris Knapman
Laetiporus sulphureus on Taxus baccata Chris Knapman
ATF Devon Group