I have several very favourite trees, and this is one.
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I don't actually know what variety it is, but it's a magnificent specimen.
It stands very close to our nearby church front door, forming a wonderful umbrella shape over a perfectly positioned bench.
In the Summer it gives shade, and in Autumn/Winter it protects from rain. I have myself sheltered under its branches, and I can assure that it does a very good job.
Unfortunately, I was unable to take a photo that shows its protective qualities. It's a big tree and spreads its thick foliage to protect a large area.
Its leaves are the shape of a Chestnut's, but it isn't one. Maybe someone with a good knowledge of British trees can have a close look and make a suggestion.
On the morning of 16th October 1987, after an uninterrupted sleep, I woke to find that the churchyard was awash with huge fallen trees. The 'Great Storm' had felled some of the biggest trees by the church and elsewhere. Luckily this one remained upright. I had slept through the whole disaster.
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How strange. I just left a comment and it's disappeared!
ReplyDeleteI'll see if I can find it.
DeleteNo, can't see it anywhere.
DeleteMy Mother and Father were married in that church and I used to play in the churchyard and gardens when I was growing up. I probably passed that tree many times.
ReplyDeleteI live about 100 yards away. I go to the Peace Garden every morning at about 7 am with Billy (Dog), then walk through the Churchyard on the way home. It's a lovely old church; the oldest in Brighton
DeleteThe church looks so beautiful too.
ReplyDeleteIt is, and the interior a lovely too.
DeleteIs it a family tree?
ReplyDeleteSome Dogs use it as a Lavva-tree.
DeleteThe bark looks like that of an elm.
ReplyDeleteI need a tree-book. I might bring a leaf back in a minute and look it up.
DeleteCould it be a hackberry tree? I don't know if they grow where you are, but those leaves look similar. Some hackberry trees get little small seedlike dark colored fruits on them.
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of a Hackberry. I shall go and have a closer look in a few minutes.
DeleteThat is a beautiful mature tree. Trees are important to me as well. I've collected and planted many trees on my property. My Dawn Redwood and Beech are favorites. The Korean Fur adds unusual interest (with the upside down pine cones) and the 3 Blue Spruce planted on an arc makes a colorful splash.
ReplyDeleteI tend to plant fruit trees, although I have planted two Parasol Pines.
DeleteI HAVE NOW ADDED A PHOTO OF A LEAF. IF ANYONE CAN IDENTIFY IT I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL.
ReplyDeleteCould it be a Lime tree?
Deletehttps://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/a-z-of-british-trees/common-lime/
DeleteI have Limes in France, the leaves are similar, but lighter and softer. I also know the flowers well as we collect them for making a type of tea.
DeleteIt looks like Ulmus Glabra or Wych Elm to me.
ReplyDeleteAlso known as Scots or Scotch Elm.
They're fairly rare now, as Dutch Elm Disease wiped out the majority of them.
My first thought was an Elm, but I'd imagined they'd all died. The leaf does look very Elm-like.
DeleteYes, an Elm variety.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.
Jo
I'm thinking this too.
DeleteThat looks like one of our precious Elm trees. we are the last stronghold of these trees as a lot of them have succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease. I notice that they are still having to cut them down each year and the numbers a dwindling.
ReplyDeleteI have lived in Brighton all of my life, born in the General Hospital. I went on a school trip to visit Martha Gunns grave and others but have never actually been inside that church.
Briony
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My wife went to a Queen's Memorial Service recently. It's a very 'high' church and she said that the incense was overwhelming. I think someone got the mix wrong!!!
DeleteIt is a beautiful tree and the bench is perfectly placed. I could sit there quite happily listening to church music.
ReplyDeleteIt's very near the bell tower, and often on Sunday mornings (10am) I sit and listen to the bells.
DeleteAssymmetrical leaves like that indicate it's an elm.
ReplyDeleteI think you must be right, it's the popular appraisal.
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