Help Save the Great Oak of Tyddyn Teg
At the eastern tip of Tyddyn Y Berth (Tyddyn Teg), one of our two magnificent oaks has developed a serious crack down the main stem. The split runs upward from near the base into one of the tree’s largest limbs—a vast lateral branch that stretches out over the glade. This damage appeared in the last few months, likely following one of last winter’s major storms, and has gradually worsened. The fissure is now large enough to fit fingers into, a clear sign that the tree is under significant strain.
This branch supports a huge portion of the oak’s mass, and at this time of year—when the canopy is at its heaviest with new spring growth—the weight is at its peak. Without support, there’s a high risk that the limb could tear away from the trunk. If that were to happen, the loss could critically weaken the whole structure of the tree, potentially leading to further collapse or even death.
The oak is estimated to be between 300 and 360 years old. Though not technically “ancient” by the 400-year definition, it exhibits the deep character and ecological richness of one. It predates the Enclosures Act of 1806, meaning it likely grew up in common land—a tree rooted in the kind of shared, communal history that Tyddyn Teg holds dear. It has stood through centuries of change and now serves as a vital habitat and living monument in our landscape.
Ecologically, mature oaks like this one are incredibly valuable. A single veteran oak can support over 2,300 species, providing a home, refuge, and nourishment to a wide web of life. Its presence is irreplaceable.
Why Cobra Bracing?
After consulting with a tree surveyor, the most appropriate course of action is cobra bracing—a modern, non-invasive method of supporting vulnerable limbs without harming the tree. It involves looping high-strength, flexible slings around secondary and opposing branches to provide dynamic support. This allows the tree to continue moving naturally in the wind while preventing excessive motion that would worsen the crack.
Cobra bracing does not require bolts or rigid structures and won't interfere with the tree’s growth. Instead, it gently reinforces the tree while it adapts and begins to heal. In some cases, light pruning may also be necessary to reduce weight at the ends of the limb, but we hope to keep intervention to an absolute minimum.
We are incredibly lucky that two experienced tree surgeon friends have generously offered to carry out the bracing work free of charge. All we need now is to raise £456 to purchase an 8-ton cobra bracing kit—everything needed to carry out the work properly and safely.
We Need Your Help Before May 30th
We aim to raise the funds by May 30th so the work can be carried out while the weather is favourable and before any further strain causes irreversible damage.
We understand that not every tree can or should be saved, but this oak holds a special place in the land and in our hearts. By helping it, we are not only preserving a habitat, a living landmark, and a quiet witness to centuries of history—we are honouring our shared responsibility to care for the more-than-human community around us.
Thank you for supporting this living giant.
Organizer
Conna Scrase
Organizer