Curious tree

WillowTheWhisp · 24-01-2005, 00:45

We actually noticed this tree from the entrance to Haworth Art Gallery. Initially the only branches which were noticeable were the three top ones but then when we came out of the art gallery, perhaps seeing it from a different angle, we noticed the lower branches. At first it seemed as if it had suddenly sprouted extra branches.

So curious were my daughters and myself that we persuaded Busman to drive round there so we could get a closer look.

The nearest we could get to it was along Southwood Drive, and seeing it between the houses.

There appears to be something resembling a satelite dish near the top and the higher part of the tree also seems to have something like metalic attachments. The whole thing is surrounded by a fence so presumably whatever it is needs to be protected.

Does anybody know what it is?

Please excuse the quality of the photos. The light was going and I was photographing it between the houses so I couldn't get a really good shot of it.

simon · 24-01-2005, 00:56

I do not know.... but could it be a mobile phone mast to blend in with surroundings????

Busman747 · 24-01-2005, 01:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by simon

I do not know.... but could it be a mobile phone mast to blend in with surroundings????

Thats what Willow thought...but B.T. are not known for conservation issues! I think it is a Scots pine or similar with the top lopped off and a communications company has discretely put their gubbings up there!

Darby · 24-01-2005, 06:04

I can't make it out properly Willow, but it has the look of a "monkey puzzle" tree.

The guy next door to us in Boston use to have one and it had a similar shape!

entwisi · 24-01-2005, 06:10

It is an Orange phone mast. There was a big outcry in the Observer when it was put up. I for one am glad its there. Where I live there was zero mobile reception when we moved in on any network. Being on-call I need to be able to use my work mobile day or night. Its not fun at 3am trying to get a signal long enough to listen to a voicemail telling you which system is down so you can logon and fix it.At least I now get some reception albeit only on my personal mobile.

WillowTheWhisp · 24-01-2005, 07:57

A-Haaaa! I knew it was something not quite normal. It is more pine looking than monkey puzzle. I must have missed the story in the Observer at the time. It was probably when I was elsewhere.

We could do with one of those here up Willows Lane in that case because Orange reception leaves a lot to be desired here. (I'm on 02 so it doesn't bother me until I'm trying to phone Busman who is on Orange.)

WillowTheWhisp · 24-01-2005, 08:10

P.S.

Entwisi, was that tree previously a tree before it was a mast or is it a mast disguised as a tree? I just don't recall seeing such a large pine tree there on previous occasions. From Haworth Art Gallery it just looks like an out of context tree.

entwisi · 24-01-2005, 08:46

Its a mast disguised as a tree, there wasn't a tree there before.

Some of the outcry was from the people who lived nearby as they put it up but didn't organise any electrickery so it was running 24/7 from a noisy diesel genny for about a month.

Busman747 · 24-01-2005, 10:05

As Chauffeur to the Waffler, why do I get the feeling that I may be driving back up Manchester Road this morning for a closer look at said tree/mast??

WillowTheWhisp · 24-01-2005, 10:48

.........

WillowTheWhisp · 24-01-2005, 12:57

In the cold light of day it certainly looks more metallic than wooden, especially when viewed from the vicinity of another tree.