And the answer is...
Last updated: 11 June 2008
Is it a wartime memorial, a place for sheep to shelter or a landmark for incoming aircraft?
Elinor Elis-Williams from the University of Bangor puts the cross debate to bed, once and for all.
News: Landmark trees to be felled.
The staggered cross (not a true crucifix) of coniferous trees seen on the hill above Abergwyngregyn was indeed an experiment at the University of Wales, Bangor (then the University College of North Wales).
The experiment was begun in 1956/1957, at a time of emphasis on increased food productivity in the UK. The purpose was to establish whether the shelter of trees would provide any benefits for upland sheep flocks. The experiment included recording wind speeds and other meteorological data. Similar experiments were taking place in other parts of the UK, also using quick growing conifers. The question was which design of tree plantation would be most effective?
Some of the conclusions reached from experiments cast doubt on the benefits of shelter to the condition of Welsh Mountain sheep, other than in the event of heavy snowfall and drifting. The experiment was completed in 1974 and no further use made of the site since the early 80s.
After 50 years, some of the trees are reaching the end of their life cycle. While the staggered cross has become one of the most recognisable and visible landmarks locally, this is not necessarily in keeping in an area designated as one of the historic landscapes of Wales and within an area defined as having outstanding landscape quality through the designation of the Snowdonia National Park.
The University and the Park Authority are currently considering a new management plan for the wider area.
your comments
Matthew Edwards, Llandudno Junction
I drove past the site where the cross of trees once stood and was horrified to see that they had gone. My father told me the story about an aircrash when I was young and, although not true, I still enjoyed telling people the story myself as I passed by. Replant at once!
Wed Aug 6 09:46:25 2008
Alun Hughes, Mold
We all need reference points that create a sense of place whether it be an urban or rural setting. I think it should be replanted albeit with indiginous species as an interesting reference point. It will be otherwise like the loss of a much loved friend and a gateway feature to Snowdonia. With the much improved A55 we will all go speeding by without any thought for the beautiful landscape we are in.
Tue Jul 15 10:20:05 2008
Pam Williams, Cheshire
For the last 26 years I have driven past the cross visiting my parents in Nefyn on a monthly basis,in the last 12 months sadly both my parents have died. When driving past this weekend and viewing the destruction of an iconic landmark I felt like another part of me had died. For whatever reason the cross was orignally planted,it should be replanted as a sign of new birth within both christianity & the planet's future.
Tue Jul 15 10:18:49 2008
Ian
A landmark whatever myth or truth people elieve. replant it with native trees, in the original cross shape. Why fell it in the spring when most birds are nesting???
Mon Jun 16 10:44:31 2008
John Fleming from Llanrwst
What a pity, When I return to Wales each year I look forward to the CROSS and now like so many other Christian symbols it is to go. Will we have the cresent and star instead? Why not keep it but replant with native trees.
Mon Jun 16 10:44:17 2008
