Ancient Trees

The National Trust at Sizergh Castle are currently showing an exhibition about the ancient trees on their estate. The blip was taken in the exhibition, a changing light display shows how a tree evolves over its life. There is also a map of a walking trail and pictures of some of their notable trees. I set off with the map and photos of 8 the trees but found only 3 which was a disappointment because I thought I was good at reading maps. Anyway a guided walk is available so perhaps  I'll book on that. 
The rather splendid extra is a veteran Sweet Chestnut  which according to the NT was planted by Cecilia Strickland in 1780 from seeds collected in Versailles. That makes the tree about 250 years old.  The map pin is the tree

And for any tree fans out there, according to the Ancient Tree Register maintained by the Woodland Trust
"Sweet chestnut may be able to live for 1,000 years, although 600 may be more typical on many sites.
All sweet chestnut will be ancient from 400 years onwards, although many will have ancient characteristics from around 300 years.
Typically a veteran sweet chestnut will be 150-300 years of age and a notable sweet chestnut may be 100-200 years old."

And their website tells me this is tree no 25838 in the Register with a girth of 6m so now you know