Sad loss of old tree at Moseley Bog

One of the oldest trees in Moseley Bog nature reserve has to be felled next week.

The Beech tree, located on the boundary with the playing fields, is around 250 years old and stands between 50 and 70 feet tall. After a year of monitoring the trees’ condition, a tree surgeon used a technique called ‘resistance drilling’ to confirm that the core of the tree was severely decayed. The fungi on the tree are evidence of the advanced condition of the disease.

It will take two days over 16 and 17 March 2012 for the tree surgeons to take the tree down. Once the tree is felled, some of the timber will left as habitat and some will be recycled for such things as carving and green woodworking.

Francesca Jarvis, Moseley Bog project Officer at The Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country said “‘It is a sad moment for us but the safety of visitors to Moseley Bog is paramount so we have no choice but to fell the tree. There are many other old, healthy beech trees in Moseley Bog so it’s not a total loss for us. However, to make the best of a bad situation we will be celebrating the life of the tree by holding an event which will include the planting of new Oak trees, green wood working activities and a chance to meet the tree surgeon and tree planting.”

This is an opportunity to have a better understanding and to keep a little piece of a great tree.

The Beech Tree Event will be held at Moseley Bog on Sunday 25 March 2012 between midday and 4pm.

Contact Francesca Jarvis Rouse on 0121 454 1199 or email francesca.j@bbcwildlife.org.uk for more information.

The tree-felling is being undertaken as part of the Wildlife Trust’s management of Moseley Bog using funding from Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), and a Natural Assets grant from Advantage West Midlands in partnership with Natural England, the Wildlife Trust