Something important is being said when the felling of a single tree makes national and international headlines. The loss of the landmark tree at Sycamore Gap that had stood for more than two hundred years, means that, for once the word ‘shocking’ is not an overstatement. That tree had been a trysting place, a walkers’ landmark, a place of solace, a photographer’s dream place, a silhouette of joy against a night sky.
Whatever the motives of those who cut it down, that sycamore was a symbol, its deep rootedness and familiar always-there presence, a focus for human hopes and longings, a safe place for people to sit. And before we dismiss those deep ties of human affection for trees, it might be wise to consider how much we need signs of permanence on our landscapes, and the healing power of nature’s recurring seasons of growth and rest, of harvest times and fruit.
The Bible speaks of trees that have leaves for the healing of the nations. Another text sings of freedom and the applause of God’s creation when ‘the trees of the field will clap their hands’. And it was in the thick foliage of a sycamore tree that Zacchaeus was hiding when Jesus passed by and spotted him, and made a point of being a friend to someone most other people hated.
Trees are signs and places of blessing. They are important reminders that life isn’t all about machines and technology, and life goals need more than more money or endless selfies to satisfy. Life needs roots, to enable us to bear the good fruit of our years. Trees are nature’s long term investments, visual aids of what happens when life flourishes. That’s why we should cherish them.
Photo: Two trees near Guite Castle, Aberdeenshire.
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