Comments on: > My First Truly Ancient Tree http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/ Corfe Mullen : A Disappearing Dorset Village Thu, 05 Nov 2009 11:38:04 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1607 Jane Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:14:58 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1607 Hello John. Yes, it's obviously very old. I shy away from ageing them as it is really impossible to date accurately unless you chopped it down and counted the rings (and I'm not about to do that!). So many things that you have to take into consideration with tree ageing. Type of soil (it will grow at different rates in poor and good soil), position (exposed/not exposed), whether it's been pollarded or left as a maiden, weather conditions during it's life, the effect of other trees growing nearby (trees in the open tend to grow bigger than in a wood)... I could go on and on. However, I think you are probably right.. if I was pushed I'd probably put it in the 600-900 year old category but that's only a wild guess...Thanks for the offer of the "oak slice". You might want to let Emma Brawn at the Dorset Greenwood Tree Project know as well (as she does talks etc). Jane Hello John. Yes, it’s obviously very old. I shy away from ageing them as it is really impossible to date accurately unless you chopped it down and counted the rings (and I’m not about to do that!). So many things that you have to take into consideration with tree ageing. Type of soil (it will grow at different rates in poor and good soil), position (exposed/not exposed), whether it’s been pollarded or left as a maiden, weather conditions during it’s life, the effect of other trees growing nearby (trees in the open tend to grow bigger than in a wood)… I could go on and on. However, I think you are probably right.. if I was pushed I’d probably put it in the 600-900 year old category but that’s only a wild guess…Thanks for the offer of the “oak slice”. You might want to let Emma Brawn at the Dorset Greenwood Tree Project know as well (as she does talks etc). Jane

]]> By: John Palmer http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1584 John Palmer Sat, 18 Oct 2008 20:26:25 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1584 Hello Jane, I reckon your tree is 600-700 years old. The girth of the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest was carefully measured just before 1800, and again in 2000, and is increasing its girth at approx 1 cm per year. The age by various means is estimated at 1,000. The 158 year oak cut down at the Oak Fair this year was growing at a peak rate of 3.5 cms/year when aged 30, but towards the end of its life had slowed to around 1 cm/year. It looks like 1 cm/year is a reasonable non-destructive way of estimating an old oak's age. By the way, I can put on a display of my 'oak slice' whenever you want, see www.eyemead.com/OW-RINGS.htm Hello Jane,
I reckon your tree is 600-700 years old. The girth of the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest was carefully measured just before 1800, and again in 2000, and is increasing its girth at approx 1 cm per year. The age by various means is estimated at 1,000. The 158 year oak cut down at the Oak Fair this year was growing at a peak rate of 3.5 cms/year when aged 30, but towards the end of its life had slowed to around 1 cm/year. It looks like 1 cm/year is a reasonable non-destructive way of estimating an old oak’s age. By the way, I can put on a display of my ‘oak slice’ whenever you want, see http://www.eyemead.com/OW-RINGS.htm

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1492 Jane Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:39:22 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1492 Thanks Ken. Really glad you enjoyed looking through my posts. Hope you come back for another browse! Jane Thanks Ken. Really glad you enjoyed looking through my posts. Hope you come back for another browse! Jane

]]> By: Ken Conger http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1484 Ken Conger Sat, 27 Sep 2008 13:05:24 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1484 You have a nice diversity of quality images. Your macros are exceptional. Enjoyed looking through the posts. You have a nice diversity of quality images. Your macros are exceptional. Enjoyed looking through the posts.

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1480 Jane Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:11:04 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1480 I will put a note of the walk that goes past the tree on the blog... then you can follow it! Jane I will put a note of the walk that goes past the tree on the blog… then you can follow it! Jane

]]> By: Teagan http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1478 Teagan Wed, 24 Sep 2008 08:00:58 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1478 I'll get mummy to put that grid reference on our walk list and then my clever daddy will look it up so we can go and hug the Adams Oak and check out the not-much-used footpath! Teagan x I’ll get mummy to put that grid reference on our walk list and then my clever daddy will look it up so we can go and hug the Adams Oak and check out the not-much-used footpath! Teagan x

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1452 Jane Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:10:20 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1452 Thanks Shirl. Yes I love trees (silly isn't it!). I was in the position of having loads of posts that I "could" write on bees and insects (I've been fascinated by them all summer) and thought I should really write about something else... but what? I waited and waited, then along came Adams Oak! ;) Jane Thanks Shirl. Yes I love trees (silly isn’t it!). I was in the position of having loads of posts that I “could” write on bees and insects (I’ve been fascinated by them all summer) and thought I should really write about something else… but what? I waited and waited, then along came Adams Oak! ;) Jane

]]> By: Shirl http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1451 Shirl Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:05:00 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1451 Hi again Jane :-D Ah... what a cracking tree - I love it best without its leaves. What a stunning shape this one has. I have a soft spot for trees too - they were a popular subject that I drew as a teenager. I think I have perhaps told you this. I grew up in a small village with great trees around it at walking distance. Your tree reminds me of sitting in a field drawing one in particular. Many trees in our area had history too. I always feel humbled standing under an old tree. Mm... yes, I'm with you on the not writing a post unless you’ve something to say. My prob has been quite the opposite over this summer. I have heaps sitting that I just haven't had time to start on. Its a shame when that happens as I like to post current when I can - it has just not been possible. Welcome back :-D Hi again Jane :-D

Ah… what a cracking tree – I love it best without its leaves. What a stunning shape this one has.

I have a soft spot for trees too – they were a popular subject that I drew as a teenager. I think I have perhaps told you this.

I grew up in a small village with great trees around it at walking distance. Your tree reminds me of sitting in a field drawing one in particular. Many trees in our area had history too. I always feel humbled standing under an old tree.

Mm… yes, I’m with you on the not writing a post unless you’ve something to say. My prob has been quite the opposite over this summer. I have heaps sitting that I just haven’t had time to start on. Its a shame when that happens as I like to post current when I can – it has just not been possible. Welcome back :-D

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1450 Jane Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:54:46 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1450 Hi Paula. I know... I just couldn't think of a thing to write about. Well remembered... yes I did post about it before. Many months ago. Didn't think anyone would remember! Jane Hi Paula. I know… I just couldn’t think of a thing to write about. Well remembered… yes I did post about it before. Many months ago. Didn’t think anyone would remember! Jane

]]> By: paula http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1449 paula Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:58:29 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1449 Isn't it strange - the blocked thing? Glad you're over it now. I think I remember you posting about the tree backalong - glad its been officially recognised. Well done you! Isn’t it strange – the blocked thing? Glad you’re over it now. I think I remember you posting about the tree backalong – glad its been officially recognised. Well done you!

]]> By: Doug http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1448 Doug Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:39:33 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1448 No I didn't! Not particularly surprising though, and set to increase I fear... :-( No I didn’t!
Not particularly surprising though, and set to increase I fear… :-(

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1447 Jane Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:31:30 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1447 Doug. Thanks for the suggestion. I'm now on a crusade to find Adams Apple! (did you know that orchards have declined by 50% over the last 50 years?) :) Jane Doug. Thanks for the suggestion. I’m now on a crusade to find Adams Apple! (did you know that orchards have declined by 50% over the last 50 years?) :) Jane

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1446 Jane Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:29:21 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1446 Whoops I've been logged into the Dorset Wildlife Trust blog... and now I've got their logo on my comments and can't change them. Doh! Anyway, logged in properly now. Whoops I’ve been logged into the Dorset Wildlife Trust blog… and now I’ve got their logo on my comments and can’t change them. Doh! Anyway, logged in properly now.

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1445 Jane Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:24:50 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1445 Lyn. That is such a lovely story. I hope your neighbours don't kick up a fuss. After they reach about 30 years their growth should slow down (so I've heard) - the tree not the neighbours! I think I may plant one for my mum. I've got an oak sapling in a pot that I dug up out of the garden.... Jane Lyn. That is such a lovely story. I hope your neighbours don’t kick up a fuss. After they reach about 30 years their growth should slow down (so I’ve heard) – the tree not the neighbours! I think I may plant one for my mum. I’ve got an oak sapling in a pot that I dug up out of the garden…. Jane

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1444 Jane Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:22:06 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1444 Hi Tricia. You can't really age them by girth... but it gives you a bit of a clue to their age. Only real way is to chop them down and count the rings (which I can't imagine you will be doing!). However, you can tell if they are notable, veteran or ancient. Have a look on the Ancient Tree Hunt website for more info. I warn you... you will be hugging them before you know it! Jane Hi Tricia. You can’t really age them by girth… but it gives you a bit of a clue to their age. Only real way is to chop them down and count the rings (which I can’t imagine you will be doing!). However, you can tell if they are notable, veteran or ancient. Have a look on the Ancient Tree Hunt website for more info. I warn you… you will be hugging them before you know it! Jane

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1443 Jane Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:20:01 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1443 Thanks FC. My pleasure. Jane Thanks FC. My pleasure. Jane

]]> By: Jane http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1442 Jane Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:19:35 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1442 Hi Dragonstar. I have to admit I was in two-minds whether to do a post on trees. Although I love them, they aren't everyones favourite subject - some may find them a bit... well dull! Glad I did now... as they seem to be more popular than I imagined. I hope others get involved in the Ancient Tree Hunt, it's great fun. Jane Hi Dragonstar. I have to admit I was in two-minds whether to do a post on trees. Although I love them, they aren’t everyones favourite subject – some may find them a bit… well dull! Glad I did now… as they seem to be more popular than I imagined. I hope others get involved in the Ancient Tree Hunt, it’s great fun. Jane

]]> By: TBR http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1441 TBR Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:11:23 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1441 Wondered when you'd post next Jane! ;-) I'll check out the sierra yankee grid ref at work later - what a great tree! I guess you'd be after finding a really ancient apple tree, yes? Then you can call that - the "Adam's apple". A hur hur hur hur hurrrr! Stop it now. Ok. ;-) Wondered when you’d post next Jane! ;-)
I’ll check out the sierra yankee grid ref at work later – what a great tree!
I guess you’d be after finding a really ancient apple tree, yes?
Then you can call that – the “Adam’s apple”.
A hur hur hur hur hurrrr!
Stop it now.
Ok. ;-)

]]> By: Lyn http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1440 Lyn Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:03:57 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1440 When I was expecting our third child I picked up an acorn in my parents garden and planted it. Nearly 17 years later it is a lovely shaped tree in our garden BUT the neighbours I think are going to complain about it as it's getting bigger and so I am going to pollard it soon. I can't bear to get rid of it as it is special to me, it's Ed's tree. When I was expecting our third child I picked up an acorn in my parents garden and planted it. Nearly 17 years later it is a lovely shaped tree in our garden BUT the neighbours I think are going to complain about it as it’s getting bigger and so I am going to pollard it soon. I can’t bear to get rid of it as it is special to me, it’s Ed’s tree.

]]> By: Tricia http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/2008/09/16/my-first-truly-ancient-tree/#comment-1439 Tricia Wed, 17 Sep 2008 07:07:41 +0000 http://urbanextension.wordpress.com/?p=562#comment-1439 Amazing Oak tree - bet it could tell a story or two :) I've a few Oaks around my garden - I'd love to know their age. Thanks for your story. Amazing Oak tree – bet it could tell a story or two :) I’ve a few Oaks around my garden – I’d love to know their age. Thanks for your story.

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