BILSTON'S TREE
Glenmia Road,BRIMBOAL, Glenelg Shire
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Statement of Significance
Bilston's Tree is a large over-mature Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) located in a one acre reserve, accessed through an easement from Glenmia Road, approximately 500m from the roadside. The tree is estimated to date from at least 1200 AD and is considered to be the largest millable tree in Australia. The tree was part of local conciousness, and was well known locally by the 1950s. Bilston's tree was saved from being felled for railway sleepers by local community action, headed by the Forestry Officer, Mr. W. Flentje who alerted the communtiy to the proposed felling. The tree was saved in 1963 after negotiation with the land owners at the time and the logging company. A reserve of one acre and an easement to allow access was purchased from the owner. The tree survives with excellent integrity, and is in very good condition for its age.
How is it significant?
The tree is of aesthetic and social significance to the Gleneg Shire.
Why is it significant?
Bilston's tree is of aesthetic signficance for its great age, size and its claim as the largest millable timber tree in Australia. The relationship between the viewer and the tree is dramatic, and provokes thought about the fate of many other Eucalyptus camaldulensis and other trees which have been felled for timber in Victoria and Australia. It is of social significance as it represents an early conservation movement and recognition of significant trees in the landscape. Most unusually, it illustrates an early recognition of an indigenous tree's value for more than timber, but for its outstanding aesthetic and historical values.
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BILSTON'S TREE - Usage/Former Usage
Tourist attraction
BILSTON'S TREE - Physical Description 1
.Bilston's Tree is a large over-mature Eucalyptus camaldulensis (River Red Gum) located some 500m south of Glenmia Road, approximately 6km west of the intersection of Glenmia Road and Casterton-Edenhope Road, Brimboal. The tree is thought to date from about 1200AD, and is considered the largest millable tree in Australia. The tree tree stands at 44 metres tall and is 7.62 metres in circumference. The DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) is estimated to be 2.4m. The canopy density is only at about 60-70%, which is typical for senescent trees of this species. The crown spread is greater than 30m There is some epicormic growth on the north side of the tree and substantial butressing, most likely associated with its great age rather than any particular environmental stresses. The tree has very few wounds and retains an excellent degree of integrity and is in good condition. It is surrounded by a one acre reserve. A large limb from the upper canopy remains adjacent to the tree. The limb fell many years ago, and is a clear indication to visitors of the immense scale of this tree.
BILSTON'S TREE - Physical Conditions
Good
BILSTON'S TREE - Historical Australian Themes
1.4: Appreciating the natural wonders of Australia
3.4.4: Making forests into a saleable resource
8.1.4: Enjoying the natural environment
7.6.12: Conserving Australia's heritageHeritage Study and Grading
Glenelg - Glenelg Shire Heritage Study Part One
Author: Carlotta Kellaway, David Rhodes Mandy Jean
Year: 2002
Grading:Glenelg - Glenelg Heritage Study Stage Two (a)
Author: Heritage Matters
Year: 2006
Grading:
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BILSTON'S TREEGlenelg Shire
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