Dangerous Tree on the Upper Field

Our Tree Warden, Roger Miles, has spotted that this tree, one of the largest on the Upper Field, has suffered a large crack in its trunk. A branch has now fallen as shown below.

It is a Norway Maple, about half way along the tarmaced path.

The photos below show the original crack, several feet long. It is dangerous to go near the tree which has now been red/white taped off .

The break in the tree, seen from both sides, is shown below.

Two other trees on the Heath, a beech and a cherry have recently lost heavy branches, but in these cases the cause was rot in the in the point where the branch met the main trunk.

The dangerous nature of this tree has been brought to the attention of SADC and now only the stump remains. It was necessary to remove the remaining branch because of its hazardous state,


Campers leave the Heath

Much to our relief, the campers that occupied two tents in a grassy glade for about four months have now left, but not without leaving a lot of rubbish.

the area occupied by larger tent
contents of tents seem deliberately scattered
the site cleared 8th September 2023, not without a considerable cost

It seems ironic that the occupiers should have chosen to leave just as much improved September weather sets in. We don’t know the area that they used as a toilet, so it is worth keeping clear of the area (see here) for now, especially with a dog.

The council have been informed about the site – hopefully clearance can be arranged soon – it was.