#timefortrees

Every tree is special, and has inherent value.

This is the "Screwfix Cherry".

It's small, tucked away within an industrial estate, and probably not consciously appreciated by passers by.

But my god is this tree valuable, when at its best it adds huge aesthetic value to the area, distracts bored children in the back of the car, and brightens up the day of the poor DIYer on their 50th visit to Screwfix that day because they keep purchasing the wrong item.

Yet it often goes overlooked.

Not all special trees are large and ancient, some are small and often inconspicuous.

Visited the Tolpuddle Martyrs Tree today – the legendary sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) where six local farm workers met in 1834 and unknowingly sparked a movement that changed workers’ rights forever. 🌳✊

This single tree has stood through almost 200 years of history, carrying the story of courage, unity and the fight for fair treatment. Amazing how a tree can become a symbol of justice and hope.

A powerful reminder that nature doesn’t just shape our landscapes… it shapes our history too.

Another absolutely epic tree!

The question is, what was this ash before it got to this condition?

Was it 1 stem that has been decayed and burned?

or was it always multiple stems?

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this one.

​It’s easy to admire the canopy, but as arborists, we spend just as much time looking down at the complex ecosystems at our feet.

​This photo captures a beautiful example of saprotrophic fungi at work. While they might look delicate, these fungi are the heavy lifters of the natural world. They are among the few organisms on Earth capable of producing the specific enzymes needed to break down lignin—the tough, structural polymer that gives wood its strength.

​Without fungi, our forests would be choked with fallen timber. Instead, they act as nature’s digestive system, unlocking nutrients trapped in deadwood and returning them to the soil in forms that new trees and plants can absorb.

​In arboriculture, we often assess fungi to determine tree stability, but on the forest floor or a habitat pile, they are a vital sign of a functioning ecosystem.

Some of the most impressive trees are tucked away in fields where only farmers and those exploring the countryside see them.