Recently I have been paying more attention to deformities in trees. I would have called the the rough patches on this tree trunk 'galls' but it turns out they are burls or burrs depending on which side of the Atlantic you live.
Another tree in the same wood also has an impressive collection.
Casting back to an autumnal walk I thought this clumping of branches was a result of pollarding, or grazing cattle. It is known as witches broom and, whatever the cause, is the tree's attempt to generate more root growth, albeit up in the air!
There is another impressive example on a silver birch just along the road.
I have a lot to learn but I am looking forward to finding out more about these intriguing aberrations.
We are lucky to have a tiny remnant of mature woodland on our doorstep, saved from the developer by the steep gradient and now afforded the interest of a local group of enthusiasts.
Here is one of there recently erected information notices giving some background.
