• Trees of National Special Interest (TNSI)

So named, because of its location next to 'Cow Bridge' over the River Flit, Bedfordshire, the Cow Bridge Ash is an ancient pollard that stands at the junction of three parish boundaries. It has experienced it's fair share of ups and downs, at least one wedding has taken place beneath its branches, yet it was also sadly vandalised by arsonists and received a visit from the fire brigade! The tree clearly means a lot to the local people, as a bespoke and highly artistic oak 'door' has been fitted over the ash's hollow to prevent anyone ever lighting a fire inside again. The door carries the enchanting inscription 'Here be dragons' - with the scorch marks coming from around the door, who would doubt it?

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So named, because of its location next to 'Cow Bridge' over the River Flit, Bedfordshire, the Cow Bridge Ash is an ancient pollard that stands at the junction of three parish boundaries. It has experienced it's fair share of ups and downs, at least one wedding has taken place beneath its branches, yet it was also sadly vandalised by arsonists and received a visit from the fire brigade! The tree clearly means a lot to the local people, as a bespoke and highly artistic oak 'door' has been fitted over the ash's hollow to prevent anyone ever lighting a fire inside again. The door carries the enchanting inscription 'Here be dragons' - with the scorch marks coming from around the door, who would doubt it?

About the tree

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Species:

Common ashFraxinus excelsior

Form:

Pollard

Standing or fallen:

Standing

Living status:

Alive

Girth:

4.18m at a height of 0.60m

Veteran status:

Ancient tree

Location of tree

County:

Central Bedfordshire

Country:

England

Grid reference:

TL1199536147

Public accessibility:

Public - open access (e.g. public park)

Surroundings:

River / canal bank, Bridlepath / footpath