Smashing

We only skirted the edge of Burley Old this morning and saw ten or more trees downed, most in two groups. In both a large tree had fallen taking out some of the surrounding smaller trees. This veteran beech of fair girth crushed at least three, a mature oak and two birch, maybe more it was quite a mess,  the core of the beech was well punky, and may have been why it succumbed to the winds, that and it's on the woodland fringe, exposed. Whilst a little further on a large oak had taken out another smaller oak, a beech, a birch and two hollies. As I say, we really only skirted the enclosure, I dread to think how many more are down. Burley Old has suffered terribly in recent years, losing the veteran trees is bad enough, losing the younger trees too, that just adds insult to injury. The enclosure looks a sorry state, particularly viewed through the seasons naked lens.

Pony stripping

Further to my recent posts about ponies stripping Beech tree in the forest, an in-particular around Mark Ash, I came across this short piece of footage taken in Mark Ash of ponies stripping beech bark. It really needs dealing with urgently.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW-_xOVk4Qc

Red raw

Another Beech stripped bare by ponies, a worrying trend. This red raw example stuck out wildly amongst the other trees.  I saw dozens of trees like this on my walk today, not all freshly gnawed, but stripped in recent times. This example was, again, in Church Moor, a hot spot for this behaviour, as I can see. Chris Packham reckons says it's 'heartbreaking to see', and, man, I too feel that pain too when I see the forest I love being destroyed through mismanagement and greed.  The bodies supposed to be managing and safeguarding the forest are the very same responsible for the damage.  Action to reduce the pony population is needed quickly if we are to save the forest. Over dramatic? No.  Gnawing on Hollies has been commonplace for years, the Hollies appear more resilient and endure, whereas, I don't remember seeing Beeches gnawed until relatively recently (last few years), but this year I've seen an explosion in the number of trees damaged and, more urgently, destroyed.  I've also pointed out to those walking with me, the lack of saplings setting and growing up to take the places of the fallen. If something isn't done soon, there'll be no future forest.....and that doesn't bare thinking about.

Up turned

Still the forest suffers from the effects of our erratic climate with its heavy rains and incessant strong wind. You can't visit the forest without seeing more destruction. More trees who've succumbed to the elements, roots so sodden make easy victims for the winds, and are upturn and humbled. And, more trees with their limbs ripped from them. It's terrible sight. Especially so when it's multiple mature trees, Oaks, Chestnut, Beech, which have been torn down. So many years growing and so many years to replace, gone in no time at all.