Grand Old Beech

This is not the oldest beech tree in the area but it is one of the most suggestive and is a giant. One day I will go back with a wide angle lens to try and capture it in it's entirety.

It not far from a local car park and has been often used for rites and rituals. I have seen weddings vows taken under the great boughs. It's often been the scene of scout camps, picinics, groups of youngsters with their instruments creating their own great music and for many a romantic photograph.

In the summer, anywhere within walking distance and the tree itself are patrolled regularly, in vain attempts to prevent raves. Some of my photographs of the past have depicted the tree fully decorated with people, most of whom were far too stoned to get down. That was normally in the middle of the day after! The bough, which is now on the ground, often had ten or more people draped over it. I wonder if there was anyone on it when it crashed the fifteen odd feet it hung from the ground.

If enough of the ravers can get on site before they are noticed, and drink enough to make it illegal to drive, the party can't be stopped. The blaring music can be heard for miles and the aftermath is a clean up job beyond the comprehension of anyone who hasn't had to do it. They only want to party and although in essence they believe they are only harming themselves, the effect on the surrounding area, the wildlife and the cost of policing it is a nightmare.

It's a grand old tree and has seen many parties in it hundred and fifty or so years. If only the tree could tell us it's stories...