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The Beech(es) at Heysham: history revealed from tree-ring analysis.
by John Holding
The postcard below dates from very early in the 20th century. In the centre are four beech trees already mature specimens. The building to the right is the 19th century (possibly late 18th) St Peter's Rectory which was demolished on the 1950s. The small building behind the trees was the rectory stables and is now St Peter's Church Hall.
The left hand tree, partially hidden by the church, stands at the entrance to the churchyard at a distance from the other three. For some time the church authorities have been concerned, from the points of view of public safety and potential damage to buildings, about the right hand tree which was seen to be infected (fruiting bodies visible) by a Ganoderma sp. which causes slow rot in the lower heartwood. The three trees are very close to each other and to the Church Hall and car park and on a busy pedestrian route to the church and to the National Trust land on Heysham Head.
But early in 2007 another of the three trees aroused suspicions because of staining on its lower trunk shown below.
Unfortunately it would appear from remarks that were made (about roots turning to spongy jelly within six months to a year) that Phytophthera kernoviae, the dire ‘sudden beech death’ was being mooted. This disease is notifiable by law to DEFRA and if the diagnosis is verified the tree is subject to a variety of quarantine regulations. Fortunately the suggestion turned out to be a scare, as a report from the Principal Pathologist of the Forest Research Agency demonstrates. This report can be downloaded by clicking on Webber Response.
So this tree was reprieved but it was decided to fell the one infected with Ganoderma sp. Examining the stump after felling showed a substantial hole under the centre of the tree but all the radiating roots and the root buttresses up the lower trunk were unaffected and consequently the stability of the tree was assured; it is quite likely the tree would have stood well for another fifty years. Since the leading tree authorities in the country had become involved, an opportunity was afforded to examine the tree trunk. A fascinating analysis of the history of the tree based on its rings can also be downloaded here by clicking on Beeches at Heyshem.
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