At 4.45m around the girth this is one of, if not the largest, beech (Fagus sylvatica) in Ecclesall Woods. If it grew up surrounded by woodland it could be anywhere between 250 and 350 years old, dependent upon how much competition it faced. This means that it pre-dates the widespread introduction of beech into the woods approximately 190 years ago.
photo: © Fran Halsall