The Red Notebook

Two years ago today, to mark Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday, I planted the Darwin Bicentennial Oak in my garden.

Having survived two unusually harsh Yorkshire winters, here is how the oak looks today:

The Darwin Bicentennial Oak this morning.

I have never watched an oak tree grown before, but it appears to be an extremely slow (albeit not particularly time-consuming) process.

Happy Darwin Day, everyone!

The Darwin Bicentennial Oak yesterday.

On 12th February this year, Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday, I planted the Darwin Bicentennial Oak in my garden.

At the time, I wondered whether the tree would survive the winter snows in which it was so ceremoniously planted. I am delighted to report that it seems to be doing extremely well—although, sadly, I will not live to see it reach its full towering majesty.

English oaks like to take their time.

Before planting

After planting

I have just planted what shall henceforth be known as the Darwin Bicentennial Oak in my garden.

Darwin explained how the whole of life on earth can be represented by a magnificent tree. What better tribute to the great man could there be on the 200th anniversary of his birth, therefore, than to plant a magnificent (albeit rather short) English oak? (Apart from making a donation to build a replica of HMS Beagle, obviously.)

Who knows, in another 1,000 years, perhaps the Darwin Bicentennial Oak will have grown in stature to rival the majestic oaks of the great Wild Wood which once covered this fair island.

Or perhaps it will perish in the winter snows, or fall foul of woodpeckers, or contract a deadly disease.

Any of these results would be rather appropriate.

See also: A straggly bush