This old tree in Greenmeadow Woods in Cwmbran was popular with children who play in the area. It blew down during the strong winds in February.

You can see the blue rope around one of its branches where children used to have a rope string.

Richard Davies, from the Cwmbran Ancient Society, said: “For years and years kids have been swinging across the ravine in Greenmeadow woods from the huge beech tree , but sadly not any more. The tree blew down still with the ever present blue rope hanging from its branches.”

“The Tithe map shows the woodland as a field that is called coppice, relating to its use. A coppice field is a field put aside to grow tree’s to be coppiced on a regular basis, so that the coppiced timber can be converted into charcoal to be used as fuel.

“Ordinarily the trees would be planted in rows, mainly using Beach and Hazel trees.

“By 1945 the woods had been reduced in size. The Ancient Cwmbran Society has completed a number of archaeological/historical investigations of Greenmeadow Woods over the past few years, and we understand much more about the site now than ever before. Archaeology conducted on the site informs us that this land was never ploughed to grow crops due to the make-up of the ground, and also was open pasture for many years before being turned over for coppice. This field or site had a much higher status long before the 1800s.

“Thousands of years ago it was regarded as sacred by the local inhabitants, and hundreds of years ago it was also a very important site to the local inhabitants.  Greenmeadow Woods is a fascinating multi-period site of archaeological remains from the Bronze Age to Medieval Period.

“If you wish to learn more about this exciting archaeological/historical site come and join us on our up and coming free event.”

The talk and tour of Greenmeadow Woods is on Saturday 22 March from 10am to 1pm. Meet at  Thornhill Community Hall, Thornhill, Cwmbran NP44 5TZ.