A tree trunk in the Abbey Gardens has been cut to form a chair. A horizontal cut forms the seat which, when I sat on it, left my feet dangling above the ground. The backrest has larger oval rings where the cut angled through the trunk. An old scar marks where a low down branch once grew.
Here is the same tree – a low-spreading conifer – about five years ago. The nearby bench has since moved, and a litter bin stands in its place.
On the subject of trees shaped by unusual cuts, this tree near Tower Close Play Area has been left where it swallowed the upper part of the fence.
Thanks to Michael for pointing out the tree chair. I remember another one – near the lower entrance of the Abbey Gardens – cut from a larger tree – possibly a redwood. That must be thirty years ago.
Could the seats be made a little lower?
The Outdoor Swimming Pool is a stone’s throw from this seat so I hope it’s not out of place to reproduce this message from GLL, the pool operators, which I saw on Facebook:
“We are delighted to announce that we plan to open Abbey Meadows in mid June, on a dynamic programme subject to weather conditions, as trialled in 2025.
Whilst this faced its challenges last year, and with costs continuing to grow, we are doing all we can to ensure that we maximise the potential of this fantastic facility.
The contract we have to operate Abbey Meadows is for the summer school holidays only and we are continuing to seek additional funding to help the pool open earlier.
More details will follow in the coming weeks so please keep your eyes on our social media. ”
Hooray! (Though I expect it’ll be raining by then).
I remember the other tree stump well. At primary-school age, my son and his friends used to re-enact plays in the Abbey Gardens and it made a useful bit of scenery!