Trees old and new

Autumn is a time when I am busy with tree inspections, its a chance to catch up with some of our trees have a look at them and see if they need any management work. 

We do the inspections over autumn because fungal fruiting bodies are often visible and they can give us clues about what might be going on inside the tree.

Sparassis crispa associated with a scots pine tree.

The weather during September and October was great (its not so good now!) and I took several 'woody' pics

Patterns in sycamore bark.

 

Sunshine through beech leaves.

Autumn colours in Tilberthwaite.

I also went down to Hatfield forest on a course to learn more about decay in trees.  Hatfield is home to hundreds of veteran trees in various stages of decay with great examples of decay in trees, how to manage the trees so they continue to provide this rare and valuable habitat.  

Open grown oak with decay caused by loss of large limb on the left.

David Lonsdale explaining decay process in a mature beech.

Pollard ash with large column of decay in the center.

Dead wood with woodworm holes the large hole is the exit hole from a stag beetle.

After spending time looking at old trees I spent yesterday putting this years christmas tree in Wray Castle.  It took a massive team effort to get the tree standing in the castle we even had to rope in a couple of the building team as last minute re-enforcements!

Christmas tree elf wrestling the tree onto the trailer for delivery.

 The tree outside waiting to make its grand entrance!

Check out the Wray Castle Facebook page to find out more about the tree and other stories from the Castle.

Richard Tanner

Woodland ranger