Aberyscir

Tim Hills: In the winter of 2007 the top of this tree snapped off in a snow storm. In both 2000 and 2006 it was recorded as having a healthy green canopy, even though there was much decay to be seen in the trunk. A girth of 17′ 1” at 1′ was recorded in 2000. A well developed internal stem with a girth of about 5′ was noted, sharing the hollow space with decaying wood and ivy. Is it possible that the ivy, which grew high into the tree’s branches, added significantly to the weight those branches were carrying, making it more susceptible to storm damage or heavy snowfall? Several healthy branches remain on the large stump, though some of the foliage is brown.
2017 – Paul Wood: The tree continues to recover with a few additional branches now flourishing with small amounts of foliage. Girth was 16′ 10” (513cm) at 1′. A piece of white sapwood on the floor appeared to be a perfect fit for a small section lost from the NW side of the base of the tree, perhaps explaining the smaller girth size. It seems that a large portion of the shell is dead sapwood and that the main growth is provided by the exposed internal root. The tree is unfortunately overshadowed by the ivy that has become thick and rampant around the top of what is left on the east side of the tree. It is already out of control and seems only a matter of time before the tree is inundated. I felt this ivy will need removing soon before the weight of it on the one side of the tree does more damage.
For more information go to the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon webpage.