One of the glories of Blacka is its birch trees. Birch is much maligned by those who wish to control the countryside. Wholesale scrub bashing and birch removal is the pastime of the small minded who cannot trust nature but needs must knock it into shape in the way of a gardener. In wild land where trees are allowed to grow as they will the birch produces such a variety of forms, elegant and characterful that the area is turned into a natural sculpture park more diverse and more dynamic than those populated with the artefacts of man.
A favourite birch is that one at the saddle between Bole Hill and Wimble Holme Hill, blessed with a fine setting.
Another interesting birch illustrates an unusual phenomenon. The extremities of this tree have died back for some reason unknown; dry and leafless outer twigs suggest some trauma.
But the life force has transferred its attention to other parts closer to the trunk and main branches and leaves are sprouting close to these places.
But the life force has transferred its attention to other parts closer to the trunk and main branches and leaves are sprouting close to these places.
2 comments:
The damage to the birch might have been from a moth caterpillar?
Thanks Mark, that sounds possible. I find it interesting that it has its own peculiar kind of beauty, like the 'Witches Broom' effect that also often attacks birch.
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