Bicycle Tree (Trossachs) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bicycle Tree |
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| Species | Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) |
| Location | Brig o' Turk, the Trossachs, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 56°13′51″N 4°21′56″W / 56.2307°N 4.3655°W |
| Date seeded | circa 1860–1900 |
The Bicycle Tree is a very old and special tree. It stands near Brig o' Turk in the Trossachs, Scotland. This tree started growing in the late 1800s. It grew in or near a village blacksmith's junk pile. Over many years, the tree has "swallowed" several metal objects. The most famous object is an old bicycle from the early 1900s. That's how the tree got its name! People also say it has absorbed a ship's anchor and chain.
The Bicycle Tree is a well-known landmark in the area. It has become a popular place for tourists to visit. In March 2016, the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority gave it a special protection order. This order helps keep the tree safe.
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What Kind of Tree is the Bicycle Tree?
The Bicycle Tree is a sycamore tree. Its scientific name is Acer pseudoplatanus. It is located about half a mile (0.8 km) north of the village of Brig o' Turk in Scotland.
Where Can You Find the Tree?
The tree grows in the northwest part of a field called Dorothy's Field. This field is south of the road that leads to the Glen Finglas dam. Dorothy's Field is a wild area. It has many scattered trees and plants growing freely. The main trunk of the Bicycle Tree splits into two parts. This split happens about 1 meter (3 feet) above the ground.
How Did the Tree Get Its Bicycle?
The Bicycle Tree likely started growing by itself. This happened around 1860 to 1900. It grew on or very close to a blacksmith's junk pile. The blacksmith passed away in 1923. After that, his shop closed down. The land was left alone, allowing the tree to grow without anything stopping it.
What Has the Tree Swallowed?
Over time, dozens of metal items from the junk pile became part of the tree. Some items were hung on the tree. These objects are now partly or completely covered by the tree's bark. People believe these items included a horse's bridle and even a ship's anchor and chain. The most famous items are the frame and handlebars of an early 20th-century bicycle. You can still see them sticking out of the bark. People often say the tree has "eaten" the metal objects. Or they say the metal is "growing out of it."
Stories About the Bicycle Tree
Many interesting stories have been told about the Bicycle Tree. One story says the bicycle was left by a villager. This person was called to fight in the First World War. The story goes that the villager either died in the war or was away for so long. By the time they might have returned, the tree had already absorbed the bicycle.
Scientists have studied the tree. It seems that the metal inside it has not harmed the tree. The Bicycle Tree is in good condition. It is expected to live for another 40 to 100 years.
The Bicycle Tree Today
The Bicycle Tree has been a popular place for tourists since the late 1990s. It is known as "one of Scotland's greatest tree curiosities." In 2006, the Forestry Commission listed it as one of Scotland's 130 "most remarkable trees." This was in their book Heritage Trees of Scotland.
Protecting the Tree
In 2007, the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority looked into giving the tree a special protection order. This order would legally protect it from being cut down or damaged. However, they decided not to give it the order at that time.
The tree was surveyed in 2009 for the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Hunt. It was also surveyed in 2013 for the Trossachs Countryside Trust veteran tree survey. A local author worked for eight years to get the tree protected. In December 2015, the tree finally received temporary protection. This was made a permanent protection order in March 2016.
A Local Icon
The Bicycle Tree is a very important local landmark. It is even featured in the logo of the local primary school. The village newsletter is also named after it.
