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Wednesday, 10 January 2018

Burnley's Oldest Tree

Many of you will have visited Towneley Park at Burnley but may not have seen this 400+ year old pollard Oak. It is not mentioned on any of the info boards or fingerposts within the Park. The only noticeboard is adjacent to the actual site and comes as a surprise.

But of all the people that pass by, I never see anyone looking at the tree. Perhaps people don't 'see' trees outside of a woodland.

This Oak perfectly illustrates the notion "You don't find Ancient Trees in Ancient Woodland". They have separate histories and keep at arms length.

My first photo was taken in June 10 years ago. The others in January 2018. Notice the long meadow grass in the earlier photo and the present sheep nibbled grass.

Maybe they will move the sheep out and let the meadow grow for the summer. I hope so---the tree will be nourished by the long grass and will keep the roots moist in a dry summer. Sheep congregate under trees and too much Nitrogen deposited via dunging can damage the essential soil-fungi/root relationship.

Seek this tree out if you are in Burnley--old trees benefit from being looked at. They get lonely otherwise.

                                                             
                                                                       June 2008

                                                                      January 2018






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8 comments:

  1. Steve Blacksmith11 January 2018 at 22:16

    Large very old trees are so awe-inspiring. As they are often in parks or grounds, perhaps they would be a rich source of outings for HSS members who are less able to manage the rough ground and steep slippery hillsides some of us are addicted to.

    We could start with this one that Philip has pointed us to! Anyone interested? There's a great deal of wildlife to be seen and recorded in gentle countryside as well as the veteran trees. Perhaps more than in the wild rocky cloughs.

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  2. Annie Honjo12 January 2018 at 14:26

    Great idea Steve - particularly your point about accessibility for the less able. The Burnley tree looks magnificent, whether in full leaf or in winter nakedness. I vote for a visit to this beautiful feature!

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  3. ChrisJB24 January 2018 at 21:49

    I'd like to go and see this the next time I'm over that way. Do you have directions and/or a grid reference?

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    Replies
    1. Mr David R Innes12 February 2024 at 20:36

      53°46'18.1"N 2°13'18.0"W It is very much on private property. You don't need to trespass to get a great feel of it, a magnificent specimen

      Delete
  4. Unknown6 April 2020 at 14:32

    Awesome tree I've seen it

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    Replies
    1. Unknown24 October 2020 at 20:27

      May I ask, can you get away with walking right up to it?

      Delete
  5. Unknown24 October 2020 at 20:24

    Can you get away with walking right up to it?

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  6. Unknown21 August 2021 at 09:36

    I've seen this oak and as a tree lover it was an honour.Love the comment about old trees get lonely.Go and see it and be inspired.

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