This large ash tree recently came down partially blocking this path to the WW2 water tank, which can just be seen in the background. The tree broke off near the top of the roots, see inset image. Fortunately, it did not fall towards the tank, which is still threatened by a large sycamore only inches away. The Council has agreed to deal with the ash tree.
Other ash trees and large branches have come down in recent years (see below) and the cause is not clear. They may have been short of water because of drier weather recently. Evidence of Ash Dieback has been found in smaller ash trees on the Heath, but it is not clear that this is the cause here.
In the lower image, a very heavy branch is still attached to the main tree and is still showing plenty of foliage.
Photos RM, MN