Cool things we see!
A micro-blog where we share cool things that we see when out and about amongst trees for business and pleasure!
12th March - Ancient tree in Bristol!
This is an ancient tree at Ashton Court in Bristol, with a gap in the trunk so big you can step inside! Whilst we can't tell how old this Oak is, it's likely to be between 500-700 years old.
This tree doesn't appear to be listed on the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory, (https://ati.woodlandtrust.org.uk/) it could be classed as an ancient tree!
Ancient trees are typically in the final stage of their life. They are important, irreplaceable, vital habitats and appreciated by people like us.
Ancient trees usually have a:
- wide, gnarly, twisted, hollow and complex trunk, often with decay
- smaller canopy than they would have earlier in life
- rough or crevice filled bark
- evidence of wildlife, such as insects, birds and fungi
Ancient trees need recording and protecting, so if you find one out and about, consider listing it on the Ancient Tree Inventory.
6th March - Fungi feasting on deadwood!
Fungi and trees are frequently seen together and not all fungi is a sign of poor health.
In this case, we saw 3 types of fungi within 1 square metre, all growing on lying deadwood (a tree that had already fallen and the decomposing brash).
#1: Scarlet elf cup: bright red cups that grow on decaying branches in damp conditions.
#2: Glistening inkcap: also found on wood that is dead and decomposing, but prefers to feed on the bark.
#3: Blushing bracket: a type of polypore that is typically found on dead or dying trees close to water (most often found on willow and alder).
One of the benefits on leaving falling trees in situ is to create rich and diverse habitats such as this, as these fungi will end up as food for other creatures, such as slugs, snails and rodents.
