Photos and Stories

Imagine this view with a mast 5m taller than the Lone Tree! All photographs are the property of the original author and may not be used without permission. Any photographs that are labelled as "©kendallonetree.org" may be freely used only if kendallonetree.org is credited.

The Lone Tree at sunset ©kendallonetree.org

The Lone Tree on a frosty Autumnal morning. ©kendallonetree.org

"The Todds" - Origin? Some suggest it could represent Death or Hanging from the German meaning "Death"! This would be a prime location for a gallows tree!

The area around the Lone Tree, is surrounded by working farmland ©kendallonetree.org

The Lone Tree or Windows XP? ©kendallonetree.org

The Lone Tree on a sunny Autumn day ©kendallonetree.org

Lone Tree and Aurora (Credit:Jenny H)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

Alternative Names

"The Magic Tree" - @Jenny Edlington, @Helen Dent

"Billy's Tree" - J

"Pac Man Tree" - @Louise Easterlow

"One Tree Hill" - @Lana Jade Grindley

"Billy's Tree" (Credit: J)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @Louise Easterlow)

"I was a little obsessed with this tree" (Credit: @Louise Easterlow)

"One tree hill! It's a family favourite." (Credit @Lana Jade Grindley)

(Credit: @Louise Easterlow)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @Louise Easterlow)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @Jenny Edlington)

(Credit: @Anonymous participant 896)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

Some of the 16th to 19th Century findings from around the Lone Tree and The Todds. (Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @FishOnTheBanks)

(Credit: @Anonymous participant 896)

(Credit: L)

(Credit: L)

(Credit: L)

(Credit: L)

(Credit: L)

(Credit: L)

(Credit: Deb)

(Credit: Deb)

THE TODD HILL OAK

Oak Tree on the Hill

a sentinel

whose boughs in summer cast

shade upon the sheep laying in the field.


By the mishappened gnarled – a majestic tree

encrusted with heart shaped lichen a symbol of love.

like a tattoo on its bark.


Whilst upon the ancient stone wall a curlew stands

Its alarm call heard.

as a dog walker caused the bird to be disturbed

The tree stood constant in the rural landscape.


In autumn it’s leaves turn a russet brown

and will soon tumble like confetti.

to lay upon the ground

to leave skeletal shape


On cold winter day I stand

by the window and contemplate

it’s dark brown branches naked

like tentacles reach to the sky.


Soon spring and new life comes

with emerald green of fresh new leaves

as sap surges and pulsates, my Todd Hill Oak

seems to awake!

--- By Helen Dodd

All photos and poem credit to Helen Dodd

"I have known this tree in my childhood as I looked out onto it and one day I ventured out on an expedition to identify the distinctive tree on Todd Hill. The ascent was steep. I thought from my tree identification book the tree was an English Elm by its shape, but on arrival I discovered it to be an oak, through its leaves and acorns. I was very disappointed on this discovery at the time but have grown to love the beauty of this tree." - Helen Dodd

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: Keith Robson)

(Credit: JC)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: C Bainbridge)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: John)

(Credit: C Bainbridge)

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