Post ASTLzYuVjsCZ9iS0pc by sheislaurence@mastodon.green
 (DIR) More posts by sheislaurence@mastodon.green
 (DIR) Post #ASS20a8AUkTwzM5VWi by timsmalley@mastodon.green
       2023-02-07T20:22:07Z
       
       1 likes, 1 repeats
       
       For today's #ThickTrunkTuesday, I have a very special tree.This is an ancient hornbeam tree that is about 700 yrs old. It looks like two trees, but it's actually a single tree that has begun to compartmentalise in the latter part of its life. I explain more about this below.I'd love to go back to shoot this again in the fog. Here's hoping things align the next time I have an opportunity to get up to this remarkable forest.#woodland #trees #forest #landscapephotography #art #nature
       
 (DIR) Post #ASS20aqpogD9DszB9E by EZLorenzImagery@socel.net
       2023-02-07T23:16:00Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @timsmalley  Where’s it? I mean just generic location, what country or state?
       
 (DIR) Post #ASS20c8b280rDGIsTI by timsmalley@mastodon.green
       2023-02-07T20:22:37Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       Compartmentalisation is the process where an ancient tree starts to focus on the parts of it that are still living. When a tree reaches this part of life, much of the heartwood has rotten - it's a great source of compost, and an amazing habitat for bugs and insects. In this case, the middle of the tree has fallen away. What you're left with is the living parts - the sapwood and bark.Also take note of the strange-looking canopy...
       
 (DIR) Post #ASS20dnkqaWuNCZGGO by timsmalley@mastodon.green
       2023-02-07T20:23:01Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       There are what look like roots starting to grow down from the canopy. These are known as aerial roots, which give the tree rigidity and strength to help stabilise it in its old age.
       
 (DIR) Post #ASTLzYuVjsCZ9iS0pc by sheislaurence@mastodon.green
       2023-02-08T14:34:37Z
       
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       @EZLorenzImagery @timsmalley +1 on asking where it is. There are many hornbeams like this in Hatfield forest in England, that’s where I first saw them. A couple in Putney Heath as well.
       
 (DIR) Post #ASThNMtGBB0Dra3h6O by timsmalley@mastodon.green
       2023-02-08T18:23:45Z
       
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       @sheislaurence @EZLorenzImagery you are correct - this one is in Hatfield Forest. Two other great places to see ancient hornbeam pollards are at the other end of the former Royal Forest of Essex - Hainault and Epping :)
       
 (DIR) Post #ASThNNU7y6UdhvJ8ZE by EZLorenzImagery@socel.net
       2023-02-08T18:34:14Z
       
       0 likes, 0 repeats
       
       @timsmalley  Thanks! Truly amazing!  @sheislaurence