Beloved star of Gardeners' World Alan Titchmarsh has shared a "terrifying" message he received from his eldest daughter. The veteran presenter was writing his column for the latest issue of BBC Gardeners' World magazine, where he discussed the subject of fallen trees, particularly in light of recent storms that have swept across the UK.
The 75-year-old revealed he received a before-and-after photo from his eldest daughter, Polly, a few weeks prior. According to Alan, Polly had captured an image of an ancient oak tree, estimated to be nearly 300 years old, from her bedroom window.
The Love Your Garden host cautioned Polly the tree was "in decline" as it had become stag-headed, indicating its upper branches were spiky like antlers and lacked healthy twigs, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Alan's concerns were validated when he received the disheartening "after" photo from his daughter, depicting the tree toppled over with "the flattened root plate rising like some darkened moon fully three metres in diameter".
Reflecting on the distressing news from his daughter, Alan shared: "My daughter heard the tree topple. It was, she said, a terrifying and thunderous crash, like a car accident but without the clang of metal.
"Anyone who has heard a tree blown down will tell you of the disturbing quality of the sound. It is the last agonising cry of an ancient presence, toppling after centuries of vibrant life."
The renowned broadcaster highlighted that the tree would have been home to approximately 280 species of insects and thousands of birds would have hatched in its branches.
Alan referred to the fallen tree as a "reminder of our responsibilities to ancient trees that have done so much to enrich our lives. He also stressed the importance of hedge laying and the simple task of clearing a culvert, which would have saved the life of a 300-year-old "
He emphasised the significance of hedge laying and the simple act of clearing a culvert, which could have preserved the life of a 300 year old "friendly giant". Alan and his wife Alison are the proud parents of two daughters. Their firstborn, Polly, born in 1980, followed by Camilla in 1982.
The former Ground Force presenter is set to return to screens hosting Love Your Weekend on ITV, with guests including Felicity Kendal, Nigel Havers and Jessica Hynes.
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