The Tree Hunter

Geo Brunel of Gomene

A sad coincidence that this morning I looked for photographs of a special French man that I visited with my family in 2007, only to find an announcement that he sadly died only a few days ago.

Geo Brunel was a great man of the trees and an ambassador of nature in the region where he lived. His home was crammed full of traditional craft objects, skilled artisan works with wood and nature. The ‘sabot’ here (wooden clogs) were so lovely for us to see along with many more unusual objects. My children remember visiting this magical place in the forests of Bretagne.

As the newspaper article in the link below says, Geo fought for nature against the destructive outside influences mainly of money, of greed. He was a gentle person,a person of a persuasive manner through kindness and humility. I first met Geo at the 1er Colloque Europeen sur les Trognes, along with Dominique Mansion and many other ‘Tree Professors’. It was a tres special conference and inspired many people to go on to appreciate and promote trees, pollards, trognes!

From Le Courier Independant website… Editorial Loudéac

So, after his return, he decided to keep the superb site of Corbinière des Landes in Gomené, threatened by land consolidation. He gradually acquired different plots (33 in all). His goal was to protect this site. Geo has always campaigned for the protection of the environment. He feared very much for the future of nature in the light of rampant industrialization and the expansion of intensive farming. Some thought him a little crazy, but the majority found him brilliant and he always knew how to share his passion.

God Bless Geo Brunel.
RIP from all of the Tree People of UK And Europe.

I will miss this special man of nature. God Bless you Geo. RIP.

#WWII

#MachineGunsInsideAPearTree

So, it’s Saturday evening in England, pubs are open once more. However, I chose to have my v strong (8%)

#BelgiumBeers in my #ManCave and read a book about #bialowieza national park that I was presented with a few years back.

Inside the book I re-discovered many pressed tree leaves from my travels… Yes, even the leaves of a tree with a great WWII story attached to it.

As the war raged across Europe many countries had groups of resistance fighters, partisans, causing mayhem to the Nazi’s at great risk to themselves and their families, along with local communities.

One such group had met at this remote farm in xxxx #Slovakia to plan their next disruptive attack. Suddenly, the alarm was raised. Nazi’s were about to surround the farm, arrest everyone present. Most probably murder them.

The resistance fighters, fearing for their lives panicked, they were well armed but would not have won this battle.

Where could they dispose quickly of their machines guns, grenades, rifles, pistols?

An ancient hollow Pear tree grew in the orchard BN of the farm. Immediately, they all piled their arms into the hollow tree. Seeking not to be caught, especially with guns.

At this time in the 1940"s, the holenin the tree was 2 or more metres above the ground. (6 or 8 feet). All the guns were hastily thrown into the hollow tree as the resistance fighters made off into the nearby mountains. Their lives saved to fight another day.

Over time, many, many years, the old Pear tree grew… The hole closing up eventually so that no one could see down into the old tree. People forgot.

So, in 2018 I was taken here by Milan Hronec.

The local man had soooo many intriguing and interesting tree stories. At the time, I suggested that a film could be made about his life

Anyway here are the Pear tree leaves…stay safe, Ciao, and cheers rob

The armaments are still inside this tree. The man who showed us, who related the story, still lives locally ( and, if I had not had too many beers, I would remember the village and his name,sorry) Milan Hronec , will fill in these details, thanks Milan.

9 months ago

Ypsilina buttingtonensis

A previously unknown species of fungi has been discovered by scientists from core samples taken from the prone hulk of the 1,000 year old Buttington Oak that collapsed in February 2018.

Assisted by tree hunter Rob McBride, samples were extracted on March 14th 2018 by Matt Wainwright & Emma Gilmartin, of Cardiff University school of bioscience under Prof. Lynne Boddy.

Matt Wainhouse, Cardiff University prepares the tree for ‘coring’

Emma Gilmartin & Matt Wainhouse discuss the procedure

Rob McBride ‘coring ‘ the 1,000 year old Buttington oak

Matt Wainhouse PhD student from Cardiff University wrote

‘I have an update on the Buttington oak fungi and a request for you. I was able to culture 9 species from the tree. Fistulina hepatica was the dominant species and the one responsible for the giant hollow in the centre of the tree.

The rest were ascomycete fungi, most of which the ecology is totally unknown.

There were however a couple of interesting things. The first is is Cryphonectria radicalis, which is a benign cousin of chestnut blight. It is the fourth record of this species for the UK and first for Wales.

The second exciting find was an undescribed species…

So we sent it to expert taxonomists in Holland (after Kew) who are going to describe and name it. The name will hopefully be a homage to the Buttington oak itself.

Professor Pedro Crous. Image KNAW.nl

Initially the samples were studied at Cardiff, where the team spotted ‘something unusual’. From Cardiff, samples were sent on to Brian Douglas at Kew, where their scientists confirmed that more specialist scientific research was needed to be carried out on the samples. The samples were therefore sent on to Prof. Pedro Crous at Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute in the Netherlands for detailed analysis and sequencing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Willem_Crous

Ypsilina buttingtonensis images © Pedro Crous

Taking of the core sample 14th March 2018.

As the great Buttington oak once was, an 11.03m giant of the tree world. 2nd largest girthed oak in Wales. Largest girthed oak on Offas Dyke.

Click here to see where it once grew. What3Words Location. /// https://what3words.com/models.nicer.boils

Until it split in May 2017…

Finally collapsing in February 2018.

Core sample holes

Click here to see where it once grew. What3Words Location. /// https://what3words.com/models.nicer.boils

#WWIWarMemorialTrees Saved

#WWIWarMemorialTrees SAVED!!!

The winners of the 1st ever Great Trees Of Sheffield #GTOS17 contest. These #TreesInNeed, on #WesternRoad Crookes, Sheffield deserved #TREEspect and thanks to many people incl Sean Harding and Dan Llywellyn Hall they may finally have it.

Let’s take the #PositiviTREE from this news to show what can be done when people are mobilised and #Passionate.

However, also realising that Sheffield City Council really are in disarray and without an #Adequate #TreeStrategy. They had quoted £500,000 to fix these trees and so called problems. Now it seems it costs #Nothing!!!

As the person who invited Dan Llywellyn Hall to Sheffield to produce wonderful paintings of these fine #StreetTrees I am very happy to hear this news. Along with fellow #TREEspect director Sean Harding who worked tirelessly to gain funds via a #TreeRaffle to help pay for and then help organise the STARTS #WWIPaintOff and exhibition. Sean and myself are, shall we say, very chuffed!

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2017/oct/29/mass-painting-event-to-protest-removal-of-wwi-memorial-trees-in-sheffield

2 years ago

Mark Williams Battle of Crogen talk at the Oak at the Gate of The Dead

Brilliant day with Mark Williams. A top, self-funded Welsh historian who discoveries so many amazing discoveries associated with this pivotal Battle of Crogen that took place here in the Ceiriog Valley in 1165. King Henry II’s army given a beating by Owain Gwynedd’s Welsh army before coming back again to try to push into Wales.

A significant battle that shaped the UK & Europe for ever.

Ex-Guardian Environmental correspondent John Vidal, came along at my invite and thoroughly enjoyed the talk.

A famous TV star, this ancient Oak at the Gate of the Dead (a ‘Living Witness’ to the battle) is on the proposed new route of my Ancient Tree Guided walk from the historical Pontfadog Oak to the now famous Brimmon Oak. An 80 mile #Walk4Trees #TreesInNeed they deserve #TREEspect

Kenilworth trees June update

June 4th 2018. Fay Semple wrote…

Rouncil Lane trees again! The tree surgeons have said they will do no felling. But the existing trunks are being removed to an undisclosed location. The cubic meterage of the felled wood is being calculated, as only a certain volume can be felled from the existing wood within the 100 trees that coukd be felled. This quota may already have been nearly met.
No bat survey has been done. We are trying to arrange for their support Bat Helpline 0345 1300 228. The more calls the better at this stage!
And have the nearby ponds been assessed for great crested newts?
The Forestry Commission gave received a high volume of calls from concerned residents. Ckkr John Cooke gas said there is nothing he can do to stop the fellibg as the Planning officers used his delegated powers to make the decision not yo oppose the Forestry Commission license. Are Officers not accountable to councillors or the public for their decisions!
We also learned tonight that HS2 are providing grants for woodland planting within a ten mike radius of the line…
And to be clear Cllr Cockburn is the tenant of this site, his sister in law is the land owner. Cllr Cockburn owns an adjoining 400 acres, a field of which I believe he has sold to the Wardens for their move to Fishponds, but I am sure he will correct me if I’m wrong. Having been a tenant farmer myself there has to be a working relationship between tenant and owner. The responsibility for hedge cutting and tree maintenance often falls with the Tenant, but none the less is laid out in the tenancy agreement. The tenant would have been notified of works to be carried out by the owner.
I am hugely concerned that the long term plan is to remove the TPO as a way of opening the land for development. Increasing the existing woodland would form a great shield, if a cricket/rugby club failed to find it’s new home in Fishponds Oark. Rouncil Lane ground is flat with good road access, just out of town… Food for thought perhaps.
Such has been the support and concern on Social media that we think an action group may be the way forward, to protect our trees and pursue a thorough investigation. If needs be to take this to > DEFRA PAGE

Please visit Kenilworth Vibes where you can vote in a poll!

For those concerned about the Rouncil Lane oaks, tree surgeons will be onsite tomorrow, along with the WDC tree consultant to do the work as agreed in the original planning application. This was for the felling of 3 dead trees and the removal of dead branches (details in my first post below). I see no harm in keeping an eye on proceedings if you have the time.

WDC have questions to answer about why they did not oppose the felling license and our Councillors should be raising this with the Planning Dept to hold those responsible to account. The Forestry Commission have now stated the work done was part of the expansion of the wood, with new planting to compliment the existing wood. I’m not quite clear how felling 100 of the 140ish trees constitutes having much of the wood left however… And no application for the Grant Scheme and Felling License can be found on the Forestry Commission online registry.

KENILWORTH WEEKLEY NEWS update on Rouncil Road Trees

I was appalled last week to read that the outrage as the felling was due to lack of communication! We were angry at the loss of healthy, mature oaks, not lack of signage!

Whilst procedures are in place for planning applications, TPOs and Forestry Commission licenses, decisions on which actions to take during procedures are made by human judgement. The Planning Officers made a huge error in not challenging the thinning license with the Forestry Commission.

This matter is far from over.

They deserve TREEspect !

Hosted by the Tree Hunter & TREEspect CIC

2 years ago

Honest leaders admit mistakes

Hannah Northward

I am a ‘Sculpture and Environmental Art’ student at Glasgow School of Art and I am graduating this year so my work is on display in the 2018 Degree Show. For this show, my work has been focussed on the Sheffield tree felling. As many hundreds of people visit the GSA degree show, it is a great platform to spread the word about what is happening in Sheffield and increase awareness. I plan to then exhibit the work in Sheffield in the following months post-graduation.

SEE MY ART WORK HERE > EXHIBITION

©Hannah Northward

Having grown up in Sheffield, this is a subject close to my heart. My family and friends have been directly affected by the environmental vandalism and the way in which the police have dealt with them as protestors (at one protest there was 33 officers and 20 security staff for one tree). Not only are we fighting an environmental battle but also a social injustice.

I travelled back to Sheffield to attend a large protest march in the city centre and collect information and materials that I could use in my work. I returned to Glasgow with hundreds of twigs from condemned trees, sawdust from felled trees and many photos. I also managed to ask many local people how they felt about the situation.

The work that I have made for degree show is a simple display. Scattered on the floor of the gallery space, under a spotlight, are a handful of delicate metal twigs, cast from trees that are condemned to be cut down. They have been cast in silver, although, in the future I would like to cast them in steel so as to link them to the steel industry that Sheffield is so famous for. I have also created and displayed a book, composed of photographs and text that together communicate my understanding of, and my reaction to the extreme felling from an environmental standpoint. This contemplative work questions the value of street trees and the necessity to protest for both their and our survival.

©Hannah Northward

Here is an extract of the text:

‘I am becoming desensitised
to the pain of watching a great tree fall.

Too easily I can close the blinds,
so simply I can distract myself

but today, something stops me.
I step back and reassess.

A twig snaps under my left foot, a sharp but quiet sound,
that cuts through the noise of the city, as my right foot hits the ground.’

This issue is serious and I believe that people outside of Sheffield need to be aware of it as similar felling is currently happening in a number of cities across the UK. To spread the word throughout degree show I have created pin badges with the phrase ‘honest leaders admit mistakes’ on for people to take and wear. I hope for this to encourage conversation about the felling and raise awareness and support for the cause.

Hannah Northward
May 2018

VISIT > HANNAH’S WEBSITE & PORTFOLIO

Fay Semple Rouncil Lane Kenilworth #TreesInNeed

Fay Semple wrote….

Dear Councillors of Warwick District Council ST Johns Ward and the Planning officer of Warwick District Council

Read More> : Planning Application W/17/1867

I write in connection with the above planning application for tree maintenance and felling along Rouncil Lane in Kenilworth. As I am sure you are aware there has been some felling of trees along this road, and as a resident of Kenilworth I would like to be assured that due process and consideration has been given to this application. I have attached the relevant documents obtained form WDC on this application, however there are a number of issues on which I would like clarification.

I am a little confused as to why the application number above does not appear in the online registry of planning applications. I am assuming this is an oversight so please could you let me know the date of the meeting at which this application considered and who sat on the Planning Committee at the time. All planning applications have to be approved I am given to understand at planning committee meetings and that these meeting should provide a clear trail of approval. I am sure that the Officer Gary Fisher was simply adhering to the instructions of the Committee and that the Committee itself made their decision on the information provided by the applicant.

I have studied the attached report from the tree surgeon, the application and the decision document and fully understand that dead tress need to be removed and tree maintenance is required to facilitate the general health of the wood land. I also note that the tenant secured a felling licence from the Forestry Commission for “less than 30% of trees removed as a thinning operation”.

The attached planning approval was for the felling of three trees only, number 6, 19 and 20 in spray paint. For ease I quoted the relevant section below.

English Oak - Tag no. 1510, painted no. 6 - Fell to ground level
English Oak - Tag no. 1519, painted no. 19 - Fell to ground level
English Oak - Tag no. 1520, painted no. 20 - Fell to ground level
English Oak - Tag no. 1516, painted no. 12 reduce the lower roadside canopy by 4m,
and the upper canopy by 2m
English Oak - Tag no. 1523, painted no. 25, reduce roadside principal limb by 5-6m
English Oak - Tag no. 1526, painted no. 30, reduce the principal large roadside branch
by 4m if practical, if not remove in its entirety
English Oak - Tag no. 1531, painted no. 36, reduce the large elongated roadside limb
by 4m

This Consent refers only to those trees identified in the arboricultural report
that supports the application, if further tree work is required to be undertaken
then a suitable application will need to be made for consent under the TPO
Regulations.

Please could you clarify why ten or more trees have been felled and why the tag numbers of at least three of the trees do NOT correspond to those where felling has been agreed, namely 1547, 1541 and 1549 (painted as number 48) have been felled. I have not been able to find Tag no.s or spray marks on the
20180523_204933.jpgremaining trunks that were not removed at last Thursdays felling. I also note that of the three trees authorised for felling (a dead oak) remains standing (see attached link to image taken 23/05/18

This Consent refers only to those trees identified in the arboricultural report that supports the application, if further tree work is required to be undertaken then a suitable application will need to be made for consent under the TPO Regulations.

It would appear that felling has occurred outside of the approved planning application and I would like a thorough investigation into the matter and a cessation of felling until these queries have been clarified. If this felling is illegal, and with the strength of opinion on this matter by residents of Kenilworth, I am sure many would like an full explanation.

Yours sincerely Fay Semple

#SaveOurGiants a #Walk4Trees #TreesInNeed #DinosaurTrees

Navigating by the gnarly, knobbly and culturally significant ancient trees of the border region between Wales & England, the Tree Hunter & Treespect CIC director, Rob McBride is taking a #Walk4Trees. In recent years too many of these arboreal wonders of the UK have collapsed & fallen due to either lack of management, bad practice or have been burnt-out.

So, setting out from what was the oldest & largest Oak in Wales, the now fallen Pontfadog Oak, Rob is walking 80 miles along Offas Dyke, footpaths, bridleways & lanes of this stunningly beautiful area to aim to finish at the UK & Welsh tree of the year (2016) the Brimmon Oak. The purpose of the walk is to

1. Highlight the newly published ePetition asking the Welsh Govt to officially name the new section of the A483 the ‘Newtown Brimmon Oak Bypass’

SIGN PETITION HERE> Newtown Brimmon Oak Bypass

2. To promote the uniqueness and importance of our truly ancient trees in England & Wales during this consultation period in England with the National Policy Framework ( NPPF ) consultation until May 10th 2018 for comments.
COMMENT HERE > NPPF
Also to keep the cause for greater protection for the ancient trees of Wales on the Welsh Govt. with its Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

e-Petition: Newtown Brimmon Oak Bypass (#NBOB)

We the undersigned call upon the National Assembly for Wales to urge the Welsh Government to consider our proposal to officially name the much needed, & historic, new road section of the A483, the ‘Newtown Brimmon Oak bypass’.

In recognition of the enormously positive publicity and attention that one of the most significant ‘Natural Monuments’ of Montgomeryshire, namely the Brimmon Oak, has brought to Newtown, to the region and to Wales.

Firstly becoming ‘Welsh Tree of the year’, followed by winning the title of ‘UK Tree of the year’ shown on national TV , and ultimately, in being awarded second place in the highly prestigious European Tree of the year contest (2017) in a much reported ceremony in the EU Parliament Brussels. We feel that this culturally significant ancient Welsh Oak tree that has now become known throughout Wales, the UK & indeed around the globe be honoured in this ultimately fitting manner.

SIGN HERE> Newtown Brimmon Oak Bypass

Image Owain Betts ©

The Brimmon Oak - Welsh Tree & UK Tree of the year 2016 & European tree of the year runner-up 2017. TREEspect CIC director, Rob McBride is taking a long walk, a #Walk4Trees to hopefully gain better protection of our stunning and vulnerable ANCIENT TREES of Wales & England.

#SaveOurGiants #TreesInNeed #DinosaurTrees
they deserve #TREEspect

Setting out on my #Walk4Trees from the Pontfadog Oak (fallen) , via Oak at the Gate of the Dead (split), Offas Dyke Path, via the Buttington Oak (fallen) and across country to eventually end up at the BRIMMON OAK.
Welsh/UK & runner-up European Tree of the year.

There is now a petition that asks the Welsh Govt. to name the new road the NEWTOWN BRIMMON OAK BYPASS. #NBOB

SIGN HERE> Newtown Brimmon Oak Bypass

Sarah Walters of Alvecote Wood

A few heartfelt words from Sarah’s tree friend Hen Anderson.

“This is an update on the health of one of the most inspirational small woodland managers in the country. After a worrying set back in her recovery in hospital from complications with cystic fibrosis, our dear friend Sarah Walters of Alvecote Wood died peacefully last night, her husband Stephen by her side.

For those of you wondering who I’m talking about and for those of you that know her but may not know all her woodland work.. here’s just a little bit about Sarah… (I’m no expert in her work as an NHS registrar who worked to inform legislation and build better quality of care for cystic fibrosis sufferers, saving many many lives in the process, so I’m only mentioning what she does for woodlands!)-

Despite suffering from chronic cystic fibrosis since childhood and shocking medical professionals by living almost 50 years longer than expected, this towering powerhouse of a woman has fought the good fight for small woodlands, raising their profile in government, while working with her husband Stephen to maintain and expand a stunning woodland at Alvecote Wood.

Over the years Sarah has been at the heart of ensuring small woodlands are respected, understood and enjoyed, not just by engaging her community in Tamworth but also taking the story of small woodlands and their management to Parliament, the Royal Forestry Society and Grown in Britain.

Sarah and Stephen were the first small woodland owners to be awarded the Grown in Britain stamp and were awarded the Royal Forestry Society ‘Excellence in Forestry award in the Small Woodland category’ in 2013.

Can I ask you all to please send your words of support and positivity to her husband Stephen. Remember Sarah in her precious woodland, taking her stunning photographs of the wildlife, trees and ponds there.”

(Personal note from Rob McBride: Having met Sarah several times and witnessed her passion for trees & woods, allied with her brilliant skills as a photographer I am deeply saddened by the news today, as will many many folks across the country. She truly was an inspirational lady to so many of us ‘Tree People’. My heartfelt condolences to Stephen and all of Sarah’s family & friends)

Visit Alvecote Wood Website

Visit Alvecote Wood on Facebook:

Just a few shots from Sarah’s extensive photographic collection tat she shared with the world. All Photos are Sarah’s.

God Bless Sarah xxx