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The Big Tree, Orkney
Orkney’s biggest and oldest tree stands in Kirkwall’s Main Street. A well known local landmark, this solitary sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) is known as The Big Tree, because Orkney’s windswept environment means that few trees can survive or grow to any appreciable size. It appears to have arisen as a windblown seedling, and is now several centuries old. Urban development has encroached heavily on the tree, which is displaying symptoms of decline. Its hollow trunk has been heavily cut back to a stump of about 3 metres (10 feet). However, the tree is clearly a great survivor, and has sprouted new, healthy growth from the cut stump. Where to see the Big Tree:The tree is on Main Street in Kirkwall, Orkney. Public Access is available. Image: copyright Orkney Photographic
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