Ancient Tree Gallery

All over Britain, there are ancient and remarkable trees. Perhaps we could put together a gallery featuring some of them.

 

Yews are the oldest of our trees. Impossible to date accurately as the central trunk dies and other trunks spread out in an ever widening circle. Estimates of age are based on measuring the girth. The largest and oldest is at Fortingall in Perth and is thought to be up to 5,000 years old - it would be great to include a photo of it here!

 

Sounds like DaveW is your man, HB! Chances are he's already got a photo of it.

There are quite a few of those ancient oaks that were used as meeting trees, in the days of the coveanters - is that the sort of thing you're thinking of?

 

Some ancient yews:

Alton Priors, Wiltshire. Probably older than the adjacent church and estimated to be at least 1,000 years old



Breamore, Hampshire

 

Yes Dendro - everything ancient and/or remarkable

 

Some ancient oaks were used as meeting places and were named.

The Great Oak of Barrington Hall in Essex is one of the largest of all English Oaks






This ancient oak at Great Yeldham, also in Essex, died in 1949, but its shell is still preserved as an important feature.

 

Lovely idea HB. I have seen the Yew at Fortingall (and eaten in the hotel)-
amazing! I may find a pic if I get chance to root through sometime - but Im sure someone will have a good photo somewhere

 

Thanks, Marge. The biggest and oldest yew in England is at Ashbrittle in Somerset. Is that anywhere near you?

 

Lovely pictures their is also robin hoods tree in nottingham if anyone has a photo of that ??

 

I'm sure there's one in Calderstones Park in Liverpool - does anyone who lives around there know if my memory is right on that?

These trees have seen so much history..... they are such a reminder that we don't last very long - trees are much longer-lasting. A humbling thought - and one which makes it all the more important that we keep planting trees.

 

Just googled for it - I WAS right - makes a change..... :rolleyes: It's called the Allerton Oak - here's a link to it, with a photo

http://www.liverpool.gov.uk/Leisure_and_culture/Parks_and_recreation/Parks_and_gardens/Calderstones_Park/index.asp

Unfortunately I'm not in a position to take a photo myself, but this will ahve to do for now.

 

Just looked it up cos had never heard of it and its oin Wellington, just over an hour from me. Was near there a couple of weeks ago for Netball - may take another visit there in the summer then

 

you can see a picture of robin hoods tree here i believe they have fenced it off now but i have been inside it !!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/nottingham/360/where_to_go/sherwood_forest/major_oak_interior.shtml