This beech tree would not be out of place in the Gruffalo Wood.   I’m not sure if it has an arm out to welcome anyone passing by or whether it is not happy with all the graffiti covering its trunk.  Some people like Emma and William must have had a difficult task to write their names or initials about four metres high up and I wonder how many lovers are still together after many years.  It has been a common practise for many years possibly as a symbol of the permanence of their love but perhaps the padlocks seen on railings and bridges now is replacing the tradition.  Carving the bark can allow insects or fungi to enter the tree interior or damage the xylem which transports water and nutrients from the roots to the rest of the tree but it was interesting trying to find the oldest dates.