'Love-heart tree' spotted by retired photographer on popular Leeds trail

Stephanie Morgan said she has been walking her dogs along Meanwood Valley Trail for many years.

Stephanie, from Chapel Allerton, often follows the trail all the way to Golden Acre.

On November 13, 2021, Stephanie was walking through the woods when the "bright sunshine" highlighted a love heart shape on the trunk of a tree.

Speaking to the YEP, Stephanie said it was an "Autumn spectacle" and described the feature as "extraordinary".

She said the sight "brought a smile" to her face.

Stephanie said: "We were meandering through the woods with our dog.

"The light was just beautiful, bright sunshine was shining through the bare branches of the trees and dappled light was catching the many falling Autumn leaves with the sun rays occasionally reaching the ground, lighting up the rich colours and hues of the leaves already on the ground.

"It really was an Autumn spectacle in that moment.

"Just by chance as I was turning to walk along another trail, I saw a relatively short stumpy gnarly tree amongst all the tall trees surrounding it, as I say I've walked in these woods for years and never seen this tree before.

"The sunlight shone directly on this little gnarly tree, highlighting it just right, the way the light hit it, it brought out all the colours and textures in the burl of this particular tree.

"What was extraordinary was one particular burl was in a perfect heart shape.

"I pointed it out and said ' I just have to photograph that'.

"It brought a smile to our faces."

Have you spotted anything similar in Leeds?

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