SYCAMORE TREE
1. Context
A 300-year-old sycamore tree, renowned for its beauty and unique location, was deliberately felled by a teenage boy. The incident has sparked an investigation, and the boy was arrested recently. The motive behind this destructive act remains unclear.
2. About Sycamore Trees
- Sycamore trees can grow to impressive heights, reaching up to 35 meters as they mature.
- They are a common sight in the UK, characterized by leaves similar to those of maple trees. These trees can live for as long as 400 years.
- While native to central, eastern, and southern Europe, sycamore trees are believed to have been introduced to the UK by the Romans or during the Tudor era around the 1500s.
- Their widespread planting led to their prevalence in the UK by the mid-1800s.
Image Source: Chronicle live
3. Significance of the Hadrian Wall Gaps
- The sycamore tree stood in a picturesque dip nestled between two hills, adjacent to the Hadrian Wall.
- The Hadrian Wall is a historic stone structure located near the border between England and Scotland, in Northumberland, northern England.
- According to the National Trust, responsible for preserving important historical and natural sites, these "gaps" are channels naturally carved out by meltwater that once flowed beneath ice sheets thousands of years ago. An employee of the National Trust named the spot during a map review.
4. Impact on Native Species
- The sycamore tree's fertility has enabled it to spread rapidly across the UK, often colonizing woodlands to the detriment of native species, as noted by the Trust.
- Due to its robust and hardwood, sycamore is also used for carving and crafting decoratively carved wooden spoons, known as "love spoons," which are given as romantic gestures, particularly in Wales.
5. UNESCO World Heritage Site
- The Hadrian Wall is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the 'Frontiers of the Roman Empire,' encompassing regions in the UK and Germany.
- The Roman Empire, one of history's greatest empires, utilized this stone frontier, with forts strategically positioned along it.
- The Hadrian Wall, stretching over 118 kilometres, was constructed under the orders of Emperor Hadrian circa AD 122, marking the northernmost boundary of the Roman province of Britannia.
- UNESCO acknowledges it as a remarkable example of military organization, defensive techniques, and geopolitical strategies of ancient Rome.
6. Conclusion
The feeling of the Hadrian Wall's iconic sycamore tree not only represents a profound loss for the local community but also highlights the importance of preserving historical and natural treasures. As the investigation unfolds, the motive behind this act of vandalism remains a subject of intense scrutiny, and the quest for justice continues.
|
For Prelims: Sycamore tree Hadrian Wall, World Heritage Site, Roman province of Britannia, Emperor Hadrian circa, National Trust, Tudor era
For Mains:
1. Discuss the importance of educating the public about the value of heritage sites and the need to conserve them for future generations. (250 Words)
|
|
Previous Year Questions
1. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, “MahabodhiVihar” is situated in which Indian state? (SSC MTS 2017)
A. Madhya Pradesh B. Himachal Pradesh C. Bihar D. Maharashtra
Answer: C
2. Consider the following statements: (MPSC 2019)
a. As of July 2018, a total of 1092 World Heritage sites exist across 167 countries.
b. Italy, with 54 World Heritage sites has the most of any country (up to July 2018).
c. India has 39 World Heritage sites (up to July 2018).
d. A collection of Victorian, Gothic, and Art Deco buildings of Mumbai are declared as World Heritage sites in 2018.
Which of the above statements are correct?
A. a, b and d B. b, c and d C. a, b and c D. All of the above
Answer: A
3. National Trust Act (NTA) was formulated in the year (Kerala SET 2018)
A. 1992 B. 1995 C. 1999 D. 2002
Answer: A
4. Match the following: (MPSC 2019)
(Government Measures for
Persons with Disabilities (PWD) (Objectives)
a) The National Trust i) Regulating training policies and programmes for rehabilitation and special education
b) The Rehabilitation Council ii) To deal with multi-dimensional problems of the disabled population
c) The National Handicapped
Finance and Development
Corporation (NHFDC) iii) Enable and empower persons with disabilities
d) The Apex-level National
Institutes iv) Extends credit facilities to persons with disabilities for their economic development
A. a - (iv), b - (i), c - (iii), d - (ii)
B. a - (iii), b - (iv), c - (ii), d - (i)
C. a - (iii), b - (i), c - (iv), d - (ii)
D. a - (i), b - (ii), c - (iv), d - (iii)
Answer: C
|
Source: The Indian Express
