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thetreehunter · 2 months

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Felling of The Newnes Oak. A 250-year-old veteran tree, Ellesmere, Shropshire

The felling of the veteran oak tree known as The Newnes Oak, a 250-year-old (English Oak) (Quercus robur ) occurred on the morning of 15th August 2023 on land belonging to Grocott Developments, Prees Ltd. As of 23rd Feb 2024 Forestry Commission England (Forest Services) investigation is on-going. The author was alerted to the felling by a concerned local resident whose property overlooks the 6.4 Ha (16-acre) field in which the oak stood. The veteran oak was the only tree standing in this sizeable field. There are several hedgerow trees, and a Business Park adjoins the field.

On the day of the launch of Tree of the Year 2023...this happened

To enable dialogue to take place with contractors at the scene, the author met with them on-site as they dismantled the oak. He was informed that the tree would be removed from the site the next day.

Photographs and video were freely shot at the scene. No requests to cease were made. The author did not take photographs of the contractor's faces or company truck.

When contacted by the author, the Managing Director of Grocott Developments Ltd explained that there were no current planning applications for this field/site. The author noted that at the northern end of the field, a mechanical digger was on site, as were a number of persons in high-vis attire. By the field gate, soil-sample bags were stacked in a pile.

When contacted, Grocott Developments Ltd's managing director spent over ten minutes extolling the environmental and charitable virtues of Grocott Developments. Also, their attention to sustainability and their actions as a company showing they [Quote 'did not pay lip service to such issues.'] When asked as to just why this significant veteran oak was felled, he declined to answer. The author is unsure if there was a professional and fully qualified tree report completed for this tree. ie, one undertaken by a VetCert qualified arboriculturist specialising in veteran and ancient trees. The author also assumes that any Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) implications will be taken into account by Shropshire Council if any planning applications for the site arise. BNG is an approach to development, and/or land management, that aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand. Visit Govt./DEFRA here for further details... > BNG Explained

Naturally hollowed out oak with PLENTY of sap wood remaining

©Mike Coburn The Newnes Oak The oak tree had no Tree Preservation Order attached to it, as was confirmed by the author after chatting with the Shropshire Council Tree Officer manager whilst the author was on site. There was also no Forestry Commission felling licence in place. However, subsequent advice to the author made it clear that the size and bulk of the veteran oak tree may have meant that it contravened the Forestry Commission's (FC) Felling Licence regulations regarding their 5 cubic metres of timber regulations.

The exact measurements of the prone oak were later taken on-site and forwarded to the West Midlands Forestry Commission (FC) office. On 22nd August 2023, an FC officer visited the site. The oak tree had been removed by this time. As of 23rd February 2024, the Forestry Commission (Forest Services) investigation is ongoing.

Paragraph 180 c) of the NPPF states that 'development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats (such as ancient woodland and ancient or veteran trees) should be refused unless there are wholly exceptional reasons and a suitable compensation strategy exists.

Childhood Memories This veteran oak tree is a tree of the authors' childhood. Children from the adjacent housing estates would venture across the playing fields, wade across The Newnes Brook, and venture across the open farmland on adventurous childhood play. One child even worked for the then-farm owner at Newnes Farm. Like many towns across the UK, the brook and fields formed a significant part of many people's childhoods. With this in mind, you can imagine the distress of losing such a significant veteran oak tree and the loss of part of one's childhood, too.

The author is a volunteer local Tree Warden for Ellesmere under the Tree Council's Tree Warden scheme.[He has no official powers and is NOT a qualified arboriculturist]

Carl Wynne copyright

Copyright Mike Coburn

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thetreehunter · 7 months

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The Walking Twins of Roosendael

Breaking News! Two planes have crashed to the ground at Roosendael in Flanders, Belgium. Miraculously, no one was killed, and they walked away from the wreckage.

The Walking Twins of Roosendael

So free and beautiful, tall in the sky, they flew,

Until a great storm raged and raged and blew,

Their hands slipped, their embrace was broken,

Crashing to the ground, their neighbours were woken,

No one was killed, only slight injuries,

The miraculous Walking Twins of Roosendaal are no 'plain' trees!

Tree hunter Rob McBride Sept. 2023

Platanus x hispanica (London Plane)

Bomen Beter Beheren weekend in Roosendael - Sint-Katelijne-Waver Arboweekend 29 sept – 1 okt Domein Roosendael - Veterane bomen Massive thanks to organisers, Willem Van Der Linden, Sander Van Coillie, plus Kjel Dupon and Wim Peeters, and all the incredible arborists and attendees that came to such an amazing event. Thank you also to the Catering Staff for the delicious food and drink. And special thanks to speakers... Nico d’hamers ; Kris van de kerkhove; Jeroen Snaaijers ; Ruben van Praag ; Koen Smets ; Frits Gielissen ; Guy Herremans ; Alex Lefevre Thanks also to Belgian Tree hunters Roel Jacobs and Marc Meyer for their inspiration and trips around the Great Trees of Belgium over many years.

The 'Not-so Plain' Walking Twins of Roosendael

The Planes crashed to the Earth...Now they 'Walk' to London...

Platanus xhispanica (London Plane)

They are no longer 'ROOTED' to the spot....The Walking Twins of Roosendael... They are an OPEN CLASSROOM for everyone to learn about the wonders of trees... PHOENIX trees regenerate and root after falling to the ground...essentially, they 'walk' across landscapes. In three hundred years, these Platanus will be a long way from the 'Mother Trees'.

Not any old PLANE Forest...a real gem of Europe...

Wonderful, tree man Ton above tree man arborist Bert

Playing the 'Nail' game... Arjan below is the Champion mostly.. If I can remember! Lol.

Such an important event for all of these excellent arborists to come together to discuss veteran trees and so much more...

I look forward to the next event with Bomen Beter Beheren.

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thetreehunter · 1 year

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Filming The King’s Spy Oak for ITV News

What an absolute privilege it was for me to finally ‘meet with’ the 700-year-old King’s Spy Oak at Caversham, Reading, on Wednesday. This irreplaceable, ancient oak is threatened with felling by a ludicrous housing development scheme (Go to Reading Council Planning Portal and enter 221909).

At the great oak I was met by local campaigner Jennifer Leach, along with ITV Meridian’s presenter Mel Bloor and camerawoman Steph. Both Jennifer and myself were interviewed for the news piece, which will hopefully be aired on ITV Meridan News today (Friday 12th May 2023). The Woodland Trust’s Jack Taylor gave a Zoom interview for the piece.

ITV Meridian’s presenter Mel Bloor interviews Tree hunter Rob McBride

The King’s Spy Oak

There have been numerous objections to the planned housing development. Sterling work from local campaigners including the READING TREE WARDENS have raised the plight of this internationally significant ancient oak.

ITV Meridian’s presenter Mel Bloor interviews tree campaigner Jennifer Leach

Local reporter James Aldridge also came along to chat with us and has produced a tree-mendous piece, including a much-longer VIDEO REPORT, in the - Click here for report>> READING CHRONICLE.

ITV Meridian’s presenter Mel Bloor filming her news report at the King’s Spy Oak Rob said ‘This tree must be saved. If the proposed felling goes ahead, then we might as well give up!’

and continued by saying... ‘There is an urgent need for proper new laws to protect our truly ancient gems like the King’s Spy Oak.’ Please do head along to the Woodland Trust’s site and sign their - Click here to sign>> - ‘LIVING LEGENDS’ petition asking for just such a law from all UK governments.

Please feel free to Click here to join the FACEBOOK group >> Save the King’s Spy Oak and help us raise awareness of this incredible ancient oak.

#kings spy oak kingsspyoak ancientoak ancienttree pollard reading caversham readingcouncil treehunter thetreehunter robmcbride

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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And The Winner Is...

GREAT TREES OF OFFA’S DYKE 2021 (Coed mawr Clawdd Offa)

1st THE SPIDER TREE OF PENYCLODDIAU (In memory of Thomas Iliff Simey) 2nd The Molten Yew 3rd The Memories Tree

After much deliberation, the small forest of judges - including Bianca Jagger and Iolo Williams - have now voted for their favourite tree in this inaugural Great Trees of Offa’s Dyke 2021 contest.

It was a close run thing with two trees vying for pole position. After half of the judging panel had voted the early leader was the Walnut tree named, The Memories Tree. The Spider Tree was doggedly keeping pace in second place. As more votes came in, another tree, The Molten Yew raised it head. When all votes were in the incredible SPIDER TREE came out as the winner, claiming top spot.

THE WINNER OF GREAT TREES OF OFFA’S DYKE 2021

Spider Tree of Penycloddiau Nominator:North Wales Wildlife Trust

This magnificent Rowan crawls like a huge spider over the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort at Penycloddiau in North East Wales. This phoenix tree was first recorded in 2015 by Iliff Simey, who was a local advocate of Natural Forest Practice at his woodland Coed Nant Gain near Mold. Iliff had a deep personal connection to the fragments of ancient woodland and heritage trees clinging to the small streams running through the Clwydian hills. This section of the Offa’s Dyke Path was his favourite, stopping off to admire the incredible resilience of the Rowan tree and sharing the experiences of the many thousands of walkers in the shadow of its undulating branches or legs! North Wales Wildlife Trust nominate the Spider Rowan for the Great Trees of Offa’s Dyke Path in memory of Thomas Iliff Simey, rest in peace. Jonathan Hulson (24th June 2021)

Weather and other things being well,there will be a comemmerative plaque unveiling at Pinner’s Hole at 13:30 hrs followed by the presentation of the Great Trees of Offa’s Dyke 2021 trophy to Johnny Hulson of North Wales Wildlife Trust.

Runner-up - The Molten Yew - Nominator Ian Rowley READ MORE>

THIRD PLACE The Memories Tree - Nominator Julie Lee READ MORE>

The talented blacksmith, Marc Morris is busy finishing off what will be a striking new bespoke trophy sponsored very kindly by Hartey Wealth Management (Tristan Hartey Karl Hartey Will McBride)

Click this text to visit Hartey Wealth Managment

Click this text to visit talented Marc Morris Blacksmithing Ltd

Weather and other things being well,there will be a comemmerative plaque unveiling at Pinner’s Hole at 13:30 hrs followed by the presentation of the Great Trees of Offa’s Dyke 2021 trophy to Johnny Hulson of North Wales Wildlife Trust.

Artist Dan Llywelyn Hall will be exhibiting his brilliant paintings too along with #poetree reading from many great orators including Oliver James Lomax

ALL OF THE #ENTREES CAN BE SEEN HERE. Click on their pic to read their unique tree story...https://thetreehunter.com/great-trees-offas-dyke-2021/

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Parc Grace Dieu Oak

Nominated by Frank Sutton

Old oak trees are peppered over our farm at Parc Grace Dieu near Monmouth, owned by Frank Sutton and family. They have seen some changes and history with Offa's Dyke Path running through the site of the 13th Century Cistercian Grace Dieu Abbey.

'Grace Dieu' meaning - 'By the Grace of God.' These must be heavenly oak trees!

They grace the meadows and pastureland alongside the River Trothy. Now, instead of white robed monks living beneath the oak trees are rare breed White Park Cattle, British Longhorns and North American Bison.

Rare Breed White Park Cattle

An annual John Deere tractor event, The Gathering of the Greens, takes place in July (not in 2021) with a tractor run procession around the farm, cattle round ups and campfires as Deere friends gather from far and wide with the great Oaks standing and watching all, quietly providing shade and calmness for centuries.

#Parc Grace Dieu #gathering of the greens #john deere tractors #monmouth #parc grace dieu Farm #ancient oak #veteran oak #white park cattle #british longhorns #North American Bison #Frank Sutton #tree hunter #great trees offas dyke #gtod21 #offas dyke #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50th anniversary #offasdykepath50

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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The Reclaimers

Nominated by Kieran Barry, Llangollen.

The Reclaimers - Limekiln Sycamores - (Acer pseudoplatanus)

I would like to nominate these opportunistic sycamore trees growing within the old limekilns here above the Offa’s Dyke Path at Creigiau Eglwyseg and Trevor Rocks to show how adaptable and resilient nature can be.

From an industrial, man-made construction, these wind-tolerant and hardy trees soften their surroundings by thriving where other species of trees cannot.

Banks of limekilns and individual kilns litter this upland landscape below the Carboniferous limestone outcrops of Creigiau Eglwyseg and Trevor Rocks. The kilns were used to produce industrial and agricultural lime for local iron foundries and ones farther afield.

In the not so distant past, there would have been hundreds of people toiling and working away trying to make a tough living up here for their families.

So, these sycamore trees represent to me the ghosts and shadows of these hard-working folks. They are their legacy if you like.

The sycamore trees provide habitat for many creatures as nature reclaims these once harsh areas of quarries, kilns, screes and limestone rocks that were once hives of industrial activity.

Growing in the limekilns above Offa’s Dyke Path.

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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The windswept Hawthorn

Nominated by Kieran Barry, Llangollen.

The Eglwysegs, Llangollen

Growing high above the Offa’s Dyke Path at the Eglwysegs and close to World’s End this gnarly hawthorn tree has been shaped by nature; by the strong winds that blow across Snowdonia and then lash across the Eglwysegs.

I have nominated this veteran hawthorn tree as it represents to me fortitude, determination and choosing to going with the flow. A sensible choice when confronted by overwhelming odds.

Sitting at a field boundary this tree has seen generations of hill farmers working these inhospitable landscapes. It has offered shade and shelter to many creatures and animals too. I just think it is so beautiful.

#hawthorn #cratageous #eglwysegs #worlds end #llangollen #offas dyke #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50 #tree hunter #veteran tree #veteran trees #ancient tree #ancient tree hunt

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Spider Tree

Nominated By North Wales Wildlife Trust

This is ONE tree! (Photo Sue Loose)

Spider Tree of Penycloddiau

This magnificent Rowan crawls like a huge spider over the ramparts of the Iron Age hillfort at Penycloddiau in North East Wales. This phoenix tree was first recorded in 2015 by Iliff Simey, who was a local advocate of Natural Forest Practice at his woodland Coed Nant Gain near Mold. Iliff had a deep personal connection to the fragments of ancient woodland and heritage trees clinging to the small streams running through the Clwydian hills. This section of the Offa’s Dyke Path was his favourite, stopping off to admire the incredible resilience of the Rowan tree and sharing the experiences of the many thousands of walkers in the shadow of its undulating branches or legs! North Wales Wildlife Trust nominate the Spider Rowan for the Great Trees of Offa’s Dyke Path in memory of Thomas Iliff Simey, rest in peace. Jonathan Hulson (24th June 2021)

(Natural Forest Practitioner IIiff Simey)

Image Jonny Hulson 2021

#rowan #rowan tree #ilif simey #johnny hulson #north wales wildlife trust #clwydian range #clwydians #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50 #penycloddiau #natural forest practice #walking tree #copse #layering tree #jonny hulson #iliff simey

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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The Duelling Oak

The Duelling Oak, Castle Mill, Chirk, Wrexham - Nominated by Mark Williams

This magnificent ancient oak tree grows at Castle Mill a few hundred metres below the National Trust’s Chirk Castle - a 13th century Marcher fortress.

The 600-year-old, 7.24-metre girth oak pollard grows adjacent to the forgotten medieval track that winds its way down from the castle.

Legend has it that honour disputes were settled under its boughs by pistol duels.

Source:Wikipedia: A Duel - is an arranged engagement in combat between two people, with matched weapons, in accordance with agreed-upon rules.

The duel was based on a code of honour. Duels were fought not so much to kill the opponent as to gain "satisfaction", that is, to restore one's honour by demonstrating a willingness to risk one's life for it, and as such the tradition of dueling was originally reserved for the male members of nobility; however, in the modern era, it extended to those of the upper classes generally.

Many visitors that have walked by the oak along the permissive, summer only, Offa’s Dyke Path which passes this great oak have reported seeing faces and various creatures in its gnarly, moss covered old trunk. Please do take a look and see just what you can find.

It is recorded onto the Ancient Tree Inventory as Tree No. 372

Well-known TV presenter Julia Bradbury helped to measure the tree when she visited to film an episode of BBC Countryfile in 2011.

The Battle of Crogen 1165 interpretation Panels are nearby.

Can you see the faces?

Winter time at the Duelling Oak

#Duelling oak #the duelling oak #chirk castle #offas dyke #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50 #tree hunter #julia bradbury #pistol duels #duelling #pistol fight #battle of crogen

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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The Molten Yew

The Molten Yew Creigiau Eglwyseg Llangollen - Nominated by Ian Rowley

I would like to nominate this ancient yew tree that grows on the exposed, sheer, 400 metres (1,200 feet) cliffs of Creigiau Eglwyseg high above the town of Llangollen.

Experts believe it to be over 1,600 years old.

The bark of the tree has the appearance of solidified molten rock having been poured down the rock face. The Molten Yew has appeared on BBC Countryfile with TV presenter James Wong abseiling down to record its details in 2009.

If you are walking the Offa’s Dyke Path national trail then you will see these ancient yew trees visible only as black dots high above the Dyke Path.

It is recorded on the Ancient Tree Inventory No. 97186 1.3-metres girth

Find my posts about the stunning Llangollen area here on Instagram

The Molten Yew, Creigiau Eglwyseg, Llangollen – Nominated by Ian Rowley

#yew #yew tree #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50 #eglwysegs #llangollen #denbighshire #great trees of offas dyke

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Capel y ffin Yew trees

Capel y Ffin Yew trees - Nominated by John Burton

I nominate the ancient Yew Trees at Church of St Mary, Capel y Ffin which lies just below Offa's Dyke Path. This is a simple place to pause and reflect, in classic border country. Capel y Ffin has long been an inspiration for artists who no doubt wandered around the church and churchyard. Here in a remote location is an 18th century church on a site whose origin is unknown. Capel-y-ffin means the Chapel of the Boundary, and this is thought to have been an important location long before the church was built. A group of veteran yews grow on the south side of the church. The yews were all measured and recorded in the Woolhope Papers of 1867. When remeasured in 2012 an average increase of only 1' 2'' was recorded, showing these to be exceptionally slow growing trees. It would seem likely that they were planted at the same time and some claim that they are a thousand years old; they are certainly hundreds of years old.

#yew #yew trees #great trees offas dyke #gtod21 #tree hunter #capel y ffin #offas dyke #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50 #woolhope papers #church of st mary

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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The Summit Tree

I am a runner. I live in Kington and every morning I run on the Offa’s Dyke over Hergest Ridge. I’m calling my tree Summit Tree because for over 10 years he has been waving me on with his spindly little arms, encouraging me up the ridge to the summit just a few hundred metres beyond him. Whatever the weather he’s been my sign that I’ve almost made it to the trig point and has always brought a smile of relief to my face.

Sadly in March this year he died.

We’d had a particularly windy couple of days which had kept me from doing my usual run over the ridge. It’s rare that weather stops me so I know the conditions were really inhospitable. On my next run up I couldn’t see him in his usual place waving me on and as I got closer to his spot I was heartbroken to find him lying on the ground, branches splayed and roots exposed.

I honoured him with a little memorial on my Instagram page #ridgerunnergirl and included some pictures of him and me together over the years. Click HERE to see them

I know he’s dead, & he was only small, but I feel he deserves remembering as one of The Great Trees of Offa’s Dyke. The sheep are enjoying using him as a fleece rub now so even in his afterlife he continues to bring joy & relief to others. RIP Summit Tree. Yours Sincerely Caroline Lisa Allen aka #ridgerunnergirl

RIP Summit Tree

In happier running days

#hergest #hergest ridge #ridgerunnergirl #summit tree #great trees offas dyke #tree hunter

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Coast Redwood ‘Phoenix’ Leighton

NOMINATED BY: Lisa Sture

The Phoenix Tree. (Private site Royal Forestry Society) I have nominated a tree in mid-Wales close to Offa's Dyke Path, lying just a short walk down a track. It offers a rewarding and uplifting short detour. Locally, it is called the Mother Tree and is a Coast Redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) in the heart of this cathedral-like forest of towering giants. The Mother Tree is a fallen tree. It fell over in 1936 and was left. Delightfully, a number of the upward facing branches grew, forming a connected row of trees. It is sometimes called the Phoenix tree, however with it's giant claw - and being in Wales - it could also be called The Dragon Tree!

Whilst walking in the forest, this tree invites you to pause, and in pausing, the tremendous peace of this place can be felt and the songs of uncommon birds heard, reminiscent of the sounds in a rain forest. I felt this invitation to pause when I first saw photographs of it, and I knew I would visit.

When I sat with this tree, I found myself reflecting on these times of ecological fragility, and how this tree speaks of robustness, that nature will heal and regenerate over and over if left. Of course, 'if left' is the crux, and thankfully this grove is being looked after. The bark on redwoods contain tannin and is fibrous and thick. The bark on the biggest trunk actually feels hug-able, it is so like a teddy bear! Redwoods are some of the longest-lived trees and can live to 3,000 years old. I feel lucky to be able to experience the majesty of these trees and the sense of balance I feel around them. As I looked up through the canopy, it did indeed feel like a cathedral.

Note: This grove was planted in 1857, just 3 years after the first redwoods arrived in the UK from California. It was planted with the intention that it would be the largest Redwood Grove in Europe - making this one of the most historically significant stands of trees in the UK.

READ MORE at the RFS website>

Nearby there are examples of how Coast Redwoods send up new shoots when the tree is cut down. This is called coppicing and is common in broadleaved trees such as oak, ash and hazel but is very rare in conifers. ©Royal Forestry Society

The site was gifted to the Royal Forestry Society on 17th October 1958. It's now a private site and permission must be gained to visit. Their website provides more details. Click here to go to the location of the tree recorded onto the

Ancient Tree Inventory No.179560

#coast redwood #redwood #sequoia #sempervirens #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50th #royal forestry society #rfs #tree hunter #leighton #leighton estate #charles ackers grove

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Winston Churchill Oak

Nominators: Offa’s Mead Academy, Sedbury, Eco Group.

This much loved tree is in the ground of the Offa’s Mead Academy in Sedbury.

The Winston Churchill Oak was planted in 1823 from acorns collected at Blenheim Palace by the Ormerod sister who took over Sedbury Hall and it is believed to form part the original avenue that you can still see evidence of in the locality today.

In 1933 the tree was presented to "The Men of Trees" By His Grace The Duke of Marlborough.

It has been confirmed as a Blenheim Oak by our tree surgeon and the local tree officer.

Planted over 100 years ago, this tree is so special to our community that is has a ‘Tree Preservation Order’ to protect and preserve this tree for public enjoyment, environmental and aesthetic purposes.

The school is situated close to the Offa’s Dyke Path & Monument that begins (or ends) at Sedbury Cliffs.

Our Eco Council enjoyed telling Tree hunter Rob McBride all about our special tree when he visited us recently to complete his 13-year adventure along Offa’s Dyke Path.

#offas mead academy #sedbury #winston churchill oak #offas dyke path #offas dyke path 50th #offas dyke monument

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Mellington Lodge Oak

Nominator Cheryl Pugh

Cheryl with Buddy and the Mellington Lodge Oak June 2011.

When we moved into No. 1 Mellington Lodge in 1997, we undertook a big task to make the top patch of an overgrown garden that went with our home into a space for our three boys to play. The oak tree itself spread all across the garden. We put a rope ladder in the oak tree for our boys to climb, which I think is still there to this day. Mrs Evans, who owned the property, would often call in and talk about trees and nature in general. I told her about seeing the badgers playing on Offa’s Dyke Monument of an evening as it was getting dusk.

Hundreds of people walked through the gates every year - on the Offa’s Dyke Path - often stopping to talk and refill their water bottles. People came from all over the world. Some were just doing short walks; others were walking many miles in one day to try to complete the Dyke Path walk from one end to the other.

The most amazing sight was on opening the door early one morning and seeing army soldiers marching through the gates! It was such a wonderful sight to see, and I now wish I’d gotten my camera out.

The oak tree must have been planted there many years before the gatehouse was even built in the late 1800′s and that in itself is a beautiful thought.

I’m not sure exactly how old the tree is, maybe it’s over 350/400 years old?

The tree is recorded on the Ancient tree Inventory Tree No. 85711 and is 5.44-metres in girth

Cheryl with Buddy and the Mellington Lodge Oak June 2011.

#mellington hall #powys #montgomery #tree hunter #cathy pugh #mellington hall ldge oak #great trees of offas dyke #great trees offas dyke #offas dyke path #offasdykepath50 #offas dyke path 50th anniversary #oak #ancient tree #dog #king charles spaniel

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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Old Hendre Oak

A great old tree that was perhaps appreciated by both Charles Rolls (Rolls-Royce fame) and by King George V on his visits to the Hendre Estate.

Nominator: Mrs Val Barrell

This wonderful ancient oak tree is in my garden at Old Hendre Farm B & B. The Offa’s Dyke Path passes by my doorstep, so lots of walkers that stay as guests in my B & B have the opportunity to view this magnificent specimen. A forestry specialist who stayed with me last year estimates the oak to be at least 500 Years old.

The farm was once part of the large Hendre Estate owned by John Allen Rolls, the first Lord Llangattock. His youngest son was Charles Rolls, co-founder of the world-famous Rolls Royce car company. They regularly entertained King George V at this beautiful estate with its incredible woodlands and parkland trees. Much of the estate was sold off to pay death duties at the turn of the twentieth century. This was when my Great Grandfather bought this farm.

The oak grows over a ditch, and any water caught in this ditch disappears beneath its large base. The roots get well watered year-round. Owls are regular visitors to the old oak and call to other owls in the woodland behind it. Blackbirds sing loudly from its lofty branches, as do Nuthatches and noisy Magpies.

You can see inside the large decaying branches but not to any great depth. Hopefully, it will be around for another hundred years. I think it will see me out! Mrs Val Barrell.

OS Maps showing the tree in 1880

Hendre Estate where King George V often visited and where Charles Rolls of Rolls Royce was born. Now Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club

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thetreehunter · 3 years

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The Memories Tree

Nominator: Mrs Julie Lee

My family moved to Ty -Coch – between Four Crosses & Llanymynech in 1919. My grandfather planted the walnut tree here that he had grown from a nut. He gave his neighbours another sapling, but our walnut is the last surviving tree. It is now over 100-years-old, 10-feet (3-metres) in circumference and still flourishing.

I have lived here at Ty-Coch B&B for over 64-years, and have many lovely childhood memories of our tree and climbing it with my brothers. It had a swing in one branch that I used to sit on and bounce, pretending it was a horse as I’d always wanted one but was never allowed. My aunt told my Dad the swing was dangerous. I came home from school one day, and my Dad had cut off the bough. I was devastated, and there were lots of tears.’

Nominator Julie Lee stands under the Memories Tree with her family in 1966.

The Memories Tree May 2021. Results announced at the Offa’s Dyke Path Centre, Knighton, 10th July 2021. The 50th anniversary of the Offa’s Dyke Path.

Coming into leaf The Memories Tree May 2021

The Memories Tree May 2021

#The Memories Tree #Llanymynech #Foru Crosses #Powys #Wales #great trees offas dyke 2021 #gtod21 #Four Crosses

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