I KNEW a horse chestnut tree once. Don't worry, I'm not some organic new-age traveller, tree hanging eccentric (no disrespect to them!) nor an over-sentimentalist living in the past. But, this tree was special.

For probably 200 years or so it lived at what is now North Edge, near Lilford Park.

In its time it must have presided over thousands of children collecting its conkers and the air of war drifting through its branches.

It probably provided shelter for generations of people and animals and been silent witness to secret rendezvous and the private thoughts.

As children we loved its giant grace and strength, we took our children to see it too.

When new houses were built many of its less established neighbours were dug-up and discarded, but this tree was preserved.

It had its own bit of lawn, children continued to play under it and it remained as a focal point.

Yesterday I drove past. It was gone! Reduced to a stump.

I hope it was felled for a good reason.

I hope it wasn't because it's fruits happened to spoil a carefully-mown lawn or its shade preventing a sun tan.

Nothing is sacred, safe or predictable any more - it's at the whim of an individual.

Whatever the reason for the tree's demise, I hope there was a good deal of thought involved. I expect it cost a lot, but nowhere near enough to cover the cost of the loss of this old life.

Sapped Off

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Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.