Tree Appreciation Tuesday - The Winchester Ash Tree that dares to soften the harsh landscaping

 I could have chosen so many other Ash Trees.  The Mendips are or were covered with some fine specimens.  The tell tale sound of chain saws has been reverberating over many acres, as diseased trees are felled, and many that did not appear to be suffering too. Maybe it is just cheaper to cut the whole lot down rather than examine individual trees and spare the ones that appear robust.  That is a shame. The Somerset landscape is changing very quickly.

Time seems to be running out for Ash Trees, and seeing such a beautiful and healthy specimen for a while filled me with hope. Yes there is hope as far as Ash Trees are concerned with small populations of trees that seem to be able to resist Ash die back, I hope this tree is one of those.

We were in Winchester for a few days, and although there were many fine trees in the area and along the River Itchen, this Ash Tree really had an impact on me.  As we were walking towards The Great Hall of the Castle built when Winchester was the capital of England, I couldn't help but notice and appreciate this beautiful Ash Tree.

Fraxinus excelsior adding a splash of green within a hard landscape

Poised on the wall, almost enveloped by the tree this young person was immersed in their phone.  This Ash Tree, with its roots probably seeking long buried nutrients from the tower garderobe, added a splash of green, a living element to the otherwise stark hard landscaping of the area around the law courts leading up to the Great Hall, where the round table is housed.

From the walk way you can look down to see where the tree emerges.  Was it a seedling that just got too large before it was noticed, or was the tree planted there on purpose?  

As I looked at this fine tree, I speculated about this, and also wondered how old it was. I don't think it is even 'mature' yet, and pray that it will survive.  Who can tell?  It was also very easy to peer up the branches almost as if walking along one of those high walkways put up in forests for tourists to become immersed in the trees.

The young branches were still relatively smooth yet were further softened by the colony of lichens and mosses that had found a foot hold.

Long may this beautiful tree last, and hopefully I am not the only person to appreciate it.

Ash tree growing in the Great dry moat of the old Winchester Castle

This is #4 in the Tree Appreciation Tuesday series, do view the previous ones, and you are very welcome to comment or join in.  The link leads you to them and also guidelines for joining in.