The Age of the Tree

Volunteering at NT Longshaw today. Lots of half term fun!  Families picnicking, a lady sketching Carl Wark, the Iron Age hill fort to be seen from the Visitor Centre, another lady from New Zealand following the story of her grandfather who convalesced at Longshaw during the First World War, birders, in search of Flycatchers, Pied and Spotted. 
My image is a birch tree on the estate I've noticed on a number of occasions - not your typical straight, spindly birch. Following the Shadow Woodlands workshop I went to recently I think it's likely that this is a very old tree - not because it's large - it isn't, but because of its long and convoluted branches, and gnarled appearance. It must have undergone some sort of deliberate or accidental intervention when it was quite small but clearly, it didn't stop it living to a ripe old age. There are similar oak trees elsewhere on the estate.