In Sussex, a sweet chestnut tree that had stood alone for over 300 years was engulfed in flames. The tree, with a gnarled trunk more than 25 feet around, was the last remnant of the parkland that once covered the area before intensive farming. It stood in a field of cut corn, surrounded by smoldering barley stubble.
The Fire Spreads
Sparks, fanned by the south wind, entered grooves in the trunk and ignited the dry bark. The flames grew quickly, licking into the hollow interior, which drew them upward like a chimney. Twigs broke and fell, fueling the fire. The blaze roared skyward, even penetrating the hollow side branches, making the tree appear to hold flaming torches.
The Final Moments
The flames reached the green crown, and a constant cascade of bark and twigs fell into the furnace. Heat burned holes through the trunk. After three centuries, the tree was experiencing its final moments, part of the harvest celebration. The farmer remarked, “Good riddance,” pleased to have one less obstacle for agricultural improvements. The autumn plowing would proceed freely, adding a few square yards to his crops. The landscape had lost another memory.
