beech bole

The bole, or trunk of the beech tree has smooth grey bark, hiding the fantastic colours and patterns that can be found inside. The tree can grow to a height of about 100 feet, and a girth of 20 feet. 

This magnificent specimen was growing in Blean Woods, but had been attacked by disease and was rotting from the inside out. It had become a danger to passers by, and was recently felled. Details and forms were exposed, giving rise to sculptural possibilities.

With the rotting heartwood cleaned away, the furrows and forms fascinate.