Geograph - photograph every grid square

The magnificent ash tree and the adjacent partial strips of hedgerow, viewed in evening light from the Wylam Waggonway bridleway, stands on the former boundary of Close House Estate. It now marks the edge of the southern golf course NZ1365 : Close House Golf Course. Just beyond, formerly arable fields, now owned and managed by Close House and let to Newcastle University as sports fields NZ1365 : Sports field, Close House, fulfilling an old arrangement when the estate was sold from University to private hands. Hadrian's Wall Trail is routed along the edge of the playing fields but recently less than friendly signage has been erected alongside NZ1365 : KEEP OUT - PRIVATE PROPERTY

As of 16th October 2015 this sign has been modified to the slightly less intimidating: 'KEEP OFF. This field is private property. Please keep to the public footpath.'

Passed this way again on 14th December 2019 to see that the ash tree featured here has just been felled - only its stump remains NZ1365 : Ash stump, Close House Golf Course. Presumably a casualty of Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), a disease predicted to kill up to 95% of ash trees across the UK. Predicted to cost British society £15 billion, the effects will be staggering and will change the landscape forever, and threaten many species which rely on ash.
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