A spoon to remember a tree.

[Two Socks]

I think everybody has one: A favourite tree. Or, in my case, a list of favourite trees. Quite high up on my list is a massive red beech that grows in Clingendael, a park near my home. I have always loved this park for its old and iconic trees, and this beech is one of the prettiest and largest of all. Two weeks ago I took a picture of this magnificent 200 year old tree, because I was afraid that the fungi that infest the tree would get the upperhand sooner rather than later.

Unfortunately enough we were right about the trees decreasing health, and yesterday we found out that wind has snapped off the largest sidebranche of the tree. Other branches have been supported with slings to protect the tree from losing more branches, but I am afraid that this is the beginning of the end of this beautiful old thing. I was happy to see that some bits of wood from the fallen branche were still lying around. I collected a few pieces so that I could carve some spoons from it, and give the wood a second life. Today I made this eating spoon from the wood, and I took it back to take some photos of the spoon with the tree.

Out of the wood I have collected I hope to carve a few more eaters and perhaps a cooking spoon or two. It is a strange feeling, realizing that I might outlive something that I have known my whole life, and that generations have known their whole life before me. The spoons I will carve from this tree will therefore not leave my collection but will be a reminder of this tree if it ever decides to die before I do.

Thanks for reading! (The pics are getting a tad large here. There are a few more on my blog)

 

[Clouston98]

That's a lovely spoon and a story to go with it too

 

[Harvestman]

When people ask why you would want to carve a spoon, this 'remembering a tree ' is a wonderful reason. Lovely tree, lovely spoon. Great story.

 

[Baelfore]

That's a realy nice spoon. And a wonderful stroy behind it. It's nice to think that even after its very long life it can continue on as something other than fire/rotting wood/chips.

Thanks for sharing

Ste

 

[Two Socks]

Thank you guys. I hope your favourite trees won`t die anytime soon, but if they do: carve something from them!

 

[Stringmaker]

Lovely spoon and a nice story to go with it.

I did exactly the same thing as you to remember a beech tree that was blown down in a gale. It was a special tree to many people for many years as there were names carved into the trunk from 100 years ago but the tree was much older than that.

Nice work

 

[Eragon21]

Great story and a very nice spoon.

 

[Two Socks]

Thanks guys.

Stringmaker, I would like to see a pic of that spoon. And perhaps one of the tree before it was blown down as well?

 

[JohnC]

Think i saw this on facebook too.. Nice idea to remember a tree...

 

[Dreadhead]

what a braw story

 

[Stringmaker]

Thanks guys.

Stringmaker, I would like to see a pic of that spoon. And perhaps one of the tree before it was blown down as well?

Hopefully, the pics of the spoon should be in this thread (I used imgur and my work PC now blocks them so I can't see them!)

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116811

Please let me know if you were able to see the photos.

 

[Two Socks]

I see the pictures! Thanks. I imagine it is the same sentiment in our carvings.

 

[Goatboy]

What a magnificent tree and a lovely spoon to remember it. Every time you eat your scoff it'll bring back memories. Great post and idea behind it, thanks for putting that up.

 

[Stringmaker]

Good

Yes you are right, it is exactly the same sentiment in our work. I wanted to mark the passing of the tree, you want to mark it before it passes.

I haven't been back to that spot since we took the photos; I would hope that the trunk will be left (it is off the main path and presents no risk) so that interested people can still find it and think of the people who knew and loved it.

 

[bikebum1975]

Beautiful spoon like the story behind it to. I did a couple spoons for a friend she had bought the tree for her mom who since passed and a couple branches fell so I carved her a couple spoons from it.

That is such a lovely tree to she she won't make it

 

[Demonwolf444]

Its read leaves and weathered look as the look of the heart tree's from GRRM's A Song of Ice and Fire Series. Its a beautiful tree; and a shame to see it die.