The Old Beech Tree
The tree that keeps on giving
A large beech tree which was well over 100 years, since before the park was given to the town, was becoming increasingly damaged through many years of vandalism, forming a large cavity in the centre of the tree; even though the tree was still alive and in full leaf it was becoming clear that further acts of arson would kill the tree and make it unsafe. To support the trees structure and minimise any further damage it was believed that the hollow could be creatively ‘walled up’ and backfilled with cement (which would not damage the tree).
In March 2017 Rochdale Borough Council Rangers were able to fill in the cavity and also created something a little different, creating an attraction not often seen in parks, a cheeky Gargoyle was also included in the design to welcome park visitors. The different materials used in the tree cavity wall were mostly made up of reclaimed materials including roofing tiles, slate and walling stone. The holes and gaps within the structure also provided habitat for the parks wildlife, attracting creatures such as lady birds, solitary bees and other creepy crawlies.
Unfortunately in August 2017 the ‘Denehurst Tree Gargoyle’ fell over in strong winds bringing an end to the much loved attraction. The tree did however provide yet another function in its long life in the park, the tree now forms a new feature in the park. As opposed to removing the tree completely, the tree was made safe and left in situ. Students from Redwood Secondary Special School were invited to plant around this new feature and help to create another interesting feature in the park.
see link for images https://photos.app.goo.gl/OvoTelqZe4ony3As2