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Goodbye Old Friends

Goodbye Old Friends

This tree produced so many logs I couldn't get them into the one photo. Here we see the remaining stump and if we look closely we can see the trunk lying amongst the undergrowth.
I love this image of one of the very large pieces of trunk from the sitka. We see the normal trunk but where there were branches we see triangular shapes of wood in a much lighter colour.

Before the community purchased the woodland they had to have a safety survey carried out.  This was carried out by A & R Woodland Consultants Ltd.  Their survey has proved very helpful to me in compiling this page – some of the reasons for identifying the trees were very obvious but there were a few that had me stumped (no pun intended).  Their survey also indicated the timescales of work.  This page is not a copy of their survey but I have added some of my own thoughts as these trees have existed for longer than I have lived in this area, and I pass them daily.

I intend to update this page once the trees have been felled.  So please remember to keep coming back to check progress.

Table of Contents

This blog was originally published on:   

6 April 2023

and subsequently modified on:  

11 February 2024

Tree Felling - 8 November 2023

On the 8 November 2023 the second batch of trees were felled.  I was fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time and managed to catch a few photos of one of the trees being felled.  I have created a small (very short) video, from these photos, of the tree coming down.  If you look to the left of the person in the green jacket you will see the tree.

Note: On the right is a short video of the tree being cut and subsequently falling.  If you have rejected the Analytics and Advertisement Cookies you will not see this clip.

Sessile Oak - Tree 86

A winter woodland scene with some very large trees in the background, including Monkey Puzzle and Firs. In the foreground are small beech saplings. Just to the right of the photo is the trunk of a large Sessile Oak. There's a closeup image of a metal tag with the number 086. The closeup image is encircled by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This is a lovely Sessile Oak which has had some branches removed in the past. However, there is now a branch caught up in the crown of the tree and there's a risk that the branch will fall onto one of the main paths in the woodland. Therefore, the branch will have to be removed.

Sessile Oak - tree 289

A winter woodland scene with dead leaves on the ground, small oak and western hemlock saplings and in the background some very large trees. In the centre is a large sessile oak tree. In the closeup image we can see a metal tag with the number 289. The closeup image is encircled with a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This is another large Sessile Oak tree. This tree is estimated to have a crown dieback of about 90%. However, it does still seem to be stable and the branches aren't at risk to the path so it will need to be monitored but for the time being it will remain in situ.

Tree 290 - Unmarked Oak

A winter woodland scene of several very large trees. In the centre is a tree which has a large wound and is missing large patches of bark. There is no tag on this tree.
This is a lovely old Sessile Oak and one of my favourite trees as you can really see how it's been affected by events during its life. I often wonder if it has been hit by lightening at some point as you can see a line coming down the full length of the tree where its bark has now died. There's also a massive area of the tree which has no wood and the tree is rotting to one side. However, the other side is still alive. Because this is a deep rooted Oak it appears to be stable at the moment it will remain in situ but we will have to closely monitor it.

Tree 497 - Rowan

A winter woodland scene. Some of the trees in this image are looking green as they have ivy growing on them. Slightly to the left of centre we see a tree with 2 stems. Both of these stems are dead. There is a closeup image of a metal tag containing the number 497. The closeup image is encircled by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This Rowan tree is very close to a footpath and a road which means it could come down onto one or other of those which is why it will be felled. There are 2 stems and both of them are dead. There's a dead birch stem leaning on this tree and it will also be removed.
Fortunately I was out and about with the camera when I heard them working on this tree. I knew I'd be able to find a safe spot to stand, well away from the tree, to take photos. The small video clip at the start of this page shows this part of the tree coming down in more detail.
Fortunately I was out and about with the camera when I heard them working on this tree. I knew I'd be able to find a safe spot to stand, well away from the tree, to take photos. The small video clip at the start of this page shows this part of the tree coming down in more detail.

Tree 498 - Goat Willow

A winter woodland scene. On the left is a tree with a Notice on it. The notice can't be read in the photo but it is informing people that some of the tree are due to be felled. At the right hand side of the image we see a tree which is lying at an angle. There is a closeup image of a metal tag with the number 498. The closeup image is encircled by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree
This Goat Willow has been windblown and its roots are now disturbed and partially uprooted. It is now leaning in the direction of one of the paths through the woodland. It will also have to be removed.
The removal of this tree has made this path a lot safer as it was caught up on a tree of the other side of the path.
The removal of this tree has made this path a lot safer as it was caught up on a tree of the other side of the path.

Tree 499 - Rowan

A winter woodland scene with a woodland floor covered in moss and greater woodrush. In the centre is a Rowan tree which has multiple stems. We can see that there is only one stem standing and the other stems are leaning over the path to the left. In the closeup photo we see a metal tag with the number 499. The closeup photo is encircled by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This Rowan has been tagged for felling. It shouldn't really be a surprise as it is inbetween two paths. Already we can see there are 2 stems that have already failed and are leaning badly to the left. When we look at the roots we can see that they are rotten - which means the other standing stem may also fall.
On the right hand side we can see the one remaining trunk from this tree (it still has the tag attached) but the rotten, fallen branches have now been removed.
On the right hand side we can see the one remaining trunk from this tree (it still has the tag attached) but the rotten, fallen branches have now been removed.

Tree 500 - rowan

A winter woodland scene with holly at the right hand side and brown beech leaves on saplings in the background. In the middle is a Rowan tree which is leaning to the left. We can see there's a tag on the tree and in the closeup of the tag we wee it has the number 500. The closeup image is surrounded by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
When you look at the roots of this tree you will see that they are rotten and that the tree is now leaning to the left. Unfortunately there is a path to the left of the tree, which is why the tree will have to be removed.
This tree had a split down it and we can see that it had actually split when they were cutting it.
This tree had a split down it and we can see that it had actually split when they were cutting it.

Tree 501 - Scots Pine

This is a photo of 2 Scots Pine trees. They are both leaning very badly in the direction of the path which is on the right hand side of the photo. There is a closeup photo of the tag which has the number 501 on it. The closeup photo is enclosed by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This damage happened a few years ago. during a storm. I'm really disappointed to see this damage to Scots Pines. At the moment they are caught up in neighbouring trees - they are the only things that are keeping the pines semi-upright. However, there is a path on the right hand side of the photo. I've got to be honest, ever since the storm I have rushed past these trees when I'm out for my walk. I don't think it will come as a surprise to anyone that these trees will have to be felled during the first half of this year.
Cut logs of the Scots Pines.
The Scots Pines were felled on Monday 22 May 2023

Tree 502 - Downy Birch

This is a winter woodland scene. In the centre of the photo is a tree which is leaning badly away from the camera. There is a metal tag just about visible on the tree. There is also a closeup photo of the tag which contains the number 502. The closeup photo is surrounded by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This Downy Birch is really leaning over and is caught up in the trees next to the path. It will have to be removed.
The Downy Birch was felled on Monday 22 May 2023

Tree 503 - Beech

A winter woodland scene. On the left hand side of this photo is a beech tree with a tag on it. There is a closeup image of the tag and it has the number 503 on it. The closeup image is surrounded by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This beech tree has a wound which you can just see at the top of the photo. Unfortunately there is a cavity there but the tree seems sound. However, it will have to be monitored as its in an area next to a path, but at the moment it will not have any work done to it.

Tree 504 - Sitka Spruce

In the centre of this photo is a tree which has a metal tag attached to it. In the closeup photo of the tag we see the number is 504. There is a reddish bubble surrounding the closeup photo and the bubble points to the location of the tag.
This is a dead standing Sitka Spruce. Despite knowing that Sitka, in this location, are of poor biodiversity value, and they are much maligned, I have to confess, while I hate plantation Sitka, I do like a single specimen such as this. There I've said it, and I know its a very controversial statement! However, this Sitka is dead, large and very close to a path so it will have to be removed.
I love this image of one of the very large pieces of trunk from the sitka. We see the normal trunk but where there were branches we see triangular shapes of wood in a much lighter colour.
I love this image of one of the very large pieces of trunk from the sitka. We see the normal trunk but where there were branches we see triangular shapes of wood in a much lighter colour.

Tree 505 - Silver Fir

A woodland scene with lots of small beech saplings with their brown leaves still on the tree. In the middle of the photo is a tree with a tag on it. The closeup image shows the metal tag with the number 505. The up is encircled by a reddish bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This is a beautiful Silver Fir tree which is one of the heritage trees within the woodland. There is a wound on the tree and a cavity but all that will need to be done at the moment is to monitor the tree.

Tree 506 - Wych Elm

A winter woodland scene. A path slightly to the right in the photograph with tree bordering it on the left. There is a closeup of a tag which is enclosed in a reddish bubble. The tag is 506. The bubble is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
Another Wych Elm which has succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. Although it is a dead standing tree it will have to be felled because it is so close to the path.
The main part of the trunk of Tree 506. there are some other logs beside it which were also part of the tree.
The main part of the trunk of Tree 506. there are some other logs beside it which were also part of the tree. It was really strange as following its felling I was sure the tree was in the wrong place (there were no other trees or stumps that it could have been) but I had to refer to my original photo to convince myself it was the same tree. Funny how the mind plays tricks on you.

Tree 507 - Wych elm

A winter woodland scene. In the middle of the photo is a tree which looks dead. There's also a closeup photo of a tag with the number 507 on it. The tag is enclosed in a bubble which is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
This is, yet another, Wych Elm that has succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. Due to its proximity to the path it will have to be felled.
It took me a few minutes to work out which tree this was.
It took me a few minutes to work out which tree this was.

Tree 508 - wych elm

A winter woodland scene. In the centre of the photo is a tree. There is a closeup of a metal tag with the number 508. The tag is enclosed in a reddish bubble that is pointing to the position of the tag on the tree.
Urgh! I hate Dutch Elm Disease. Yet another dead Wych Elm which will need to be felled due to its proximity to a path.
This tree produced so many logs I couldn't get them into the one photo. Here we see the remaining stump and if we look closely we can see the trunk lying amongst the undergrowth.
This tree produced so many logs I couldn't get them into the one photo. Here we see the remaining stump and if we look closely we can see the trunk lying amongst the undergrowth.
In the distance we can see the stump from Tree 508. In the foreground there is a pile of logs from the tree. In-between - more logs.
In the distance we can see the stump from Tree 508. In the foreground there is a pile of logs from the tree. In-between - more logs.

Tree 509 - Beech

A winter woodland scene, with a road running on the right hand side of the photo. In the middle we see a beech tree which is leaning towards the road. We also have a reddish bubble which contains a closeup photo of a metal tag. The tag number is 509.
This common beech is leaning towards the road and you will also see the split in the bark at the base of the tree - it's noticeable in the photo. However, despite this it will not be felled, but will need to be carefully monitored.

Tree 510 - Goat Willow

We see a winter woodland scene with some very thin trees in the foreground and larger trees behind. We also see a large tree which is nearly horizontal. We see a reddish bubble that contains a photo of a metal tag with the number 510. The bubble is pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
When this survey was originally done this tree was windblown and leaning but it was caught up in neighbouring trees. It was identified as being a tree that should be removed due to its proximity to a path. However, during the winter storms this tree sadly fell down. We first realised this when we were out walking and realised we could no longer use the path.

Tree 511 - goat willow

A winter woodland scene. At the left hand side we see a tree which has a lot of moss at the base of the trunk. It is a Goat Willow tree. Part way up the stem is a metal tag. In the closup image, which is enclosed in a reddish bubble, we see the tag number of 511.
This Goat Willow is on the edge of a hollowed section of the woods. We can see how much moss is on the trunk, and when you look closely at the trunk we can see that it is decayed and badly hollowed out. There is also a big split on the other side of the tree. Sadly, as this area is right beside a path, and the hollow is used by children this means this tree will need to be felled.
The remains of Trees 511 and 512 which are now all stacked as logs beside the hollow where the tree roots remain.
The remains of Trees 511 and 512 which are now all stacked as logs beside the hollow where the tree roots remain.

Tree 512 - rowan

A winter woodland scene. In the middle of this photo is a multi-stemmed Rowan tree. There is a tag on the tree which is highlighted by a closeup of the tag which is enclosed in a reddish bubble. The bubble points to where the tag is positioned on the tree. The tag is 512.
Once you get up close to this tree you can see the flaking bark and the decay. All the stems are now leaning away from the base and some are caught up in surrounding trees. It is on the edge of a hollow that is used as a play area by local children. This tree will have to be felled.
The remains of Trees 511 and 512 which are now all stacked as logs beside the hollow where the tree roots remain.
The remains of Trees 511 and 512 which are now all stacked as logs beside the hollow where the tree roots remain.

Tree 513 - wych elm

A winter woodland scene. There are two trees in this photo. The tree to the rear and in the middle of the frame has a metal tag on it. There is also a closeup of the tag enclosed in a reddish bubble. The tag number if 513.
Sadly another dead Wych Elm tree. Again, this is in an area which is heavily used by people walking and by children playing. This will have to be felled.
In the shadows we see a stack of logs which came from Tree 513.
In the shadows we see a stack of logs which came from Tree 513.

Tree 514 - wych elm

A winter woodland scene. There are several larger standing trees in this picture. The centre on has a reddish bubble pointing to the tree. The bubble contains a metal tag with the number 514.
Sadly this Wych Elm is now dead. I suspect it, and many other Wych Elms in this wood have fallen foul to Dutch Elm disease. This is a heavily used area both by people walking and children playing. Sadly, it will have to be felled.
Tree 514 - reduced to a pile of logs
Tree 514 - reduced to a pile of logs

Tree 515 - rowan

A winter woodland scene. We see a tree that is now partially fallen (now leaning at about 30 degrees). We see a blownup closeup shot of a metal tag which has the number 515. The tag is surrounded by a reddish bubble pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
When the survey was carried out in November 2022 this tree was still upright! We spent ages trying to find the tree, and it was only when the consultant came out that he found it. I guess it just proves how accurate his survey was - the tree was in danger of falling. Fortunately, it fell at the correct angle and didn't fall on the nearby path.

Tree 516 - downy birch

A winter woodland scene. There is a downy birch tree which is covered in birch polypores. It a tag marked 516 - this is shown in a closeup of the tag which is surrounded by a reddish bubble pointing to the location of the tag on the tree.
I particularly like this tree because it is covered by polypores. However, during the survey it was identified as being potentially unstable, and possibly having a high level of internal decay. As it is so close to a path it will have to be felled - but I will be very sorry to see it go.
Tree 516 has now been reduced to a small snag and if we look closely we see the logs beside the tree and then in 2 separate stacks spread throughout the wood.
I was disappointed that this tree was going to have to be felled - but delighted to see that it has now been reduced to a small snag and if we look closely we see the logs beside the tree and then in 2 separate stacks spread throughout the wood.

Tree 517 - beech

A woodland scene with a tree in the background with a tyre swing attached to it. There is a beech tree with a metal tag on it. The photo shows a closeup photo of the tag and it contains the number 517
This is a beech tree, which at about 1.5m has several stems splitting out. Although this tree is tagged it doesn't require any works - it just has to be monitored.

Tree 518 - rowan

A woodland scene in winter. There is a metal tag with the number 518 on it, surrounded by a reddish bubble pointing to the location of the tag on the tree . The tag indicates that the tree has been identified in the safety survey.
Another Rowan which is tree 518. As you can see this is a multi-stemmed tree and the failed stems are badly damaged. The sole surviving stem is now leaning over a footpath and pavement. I don't think it's a surprise that the survey has identified that this tree should be felled.
By the time they came to fell this tree, much of it had already fallen, but was still attached to the stump - in many different angles so this has now tidied up the stump.
By the time they came to fell this tree, much of it had already fallen, but was still attached to the stump - in many different angles so this has now tidied up the stump.

Tree 519 - rowan

A woodland scene in winter. There is a metal tag with the number 519 on it, surrounded by a reddish bubble pointing to the location of the tag on the tree . The tag indicates that the tree has been identified in the safety survey.
This is a rowan that is in danger of falling on both a footpath and road. Unfortunately it will need to be felled this year.
We were delighted that on part of the tree was able to be saved.
We were delighted that on part of the tree was able to be saved.

If you want to visit the official Maryburgh Community Woodland site please click on this link

This blog was originally published on:

6 April 2023

and subsequently modified on:  

11 February 2024
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