Ancient Oak Tree

On the path to the Water Meetings from Higherford (near Colne), there is this magnificent Oak. It is called "Grimshaws Oak", named after the family that owned a lot of the land and water mills over many centuries.

It is a relic of Pendle Forest and measures nearly 18 foot in girth. Estimates of age vary between 600 and 1,000 years old but I think the lower age is nearer the mark. My own feeling is more like 500 years but who knows.

It appears to be a lapsed pollard, as many boundary trees used to be. It is very healthy and a good open shape. There is nothing like an open grown Oak for character, which is lost when confined in a woodland.

                                                                  Grimshaw's Oak