Scientists have found the longest common aspen in Europe in the Nigula Nature Reserve in Pärnu County, Estonia, surpassing the previous European record by more than four meters, writes ERR News.
The new record holder is 45.5 meters tall. Two more unusually tall aspens have been found in the forests of the rural area of Sarde municipality – in the same protected nature area where the record holder is located, scientists measured aspens at 44.8 and 43.7 meters long. All three trees exceed the previous Estonian record, which belonged to a 43.2-meter-long aspen in Valga County.
The Nigula aspen has also gained international recognition. According to the international database of large trees Monumental Trees,
the previous record for the longest aspen in Europe belonged to a 41.4-meter-long tree in Poland.
The discovery was made at the end of March, and considerable preparatory work was carried out before that. Enn Pärt, a senior specialist at the Estonian Environment Agency, first analyzed LiDAR maps to find the tallest trees. Then, measurements were taken with standard equipment in the field, and they were confirmed and refined with special measuring instruments that provide accuracy to ten centimeters.
To assess the condition of the tree, specialists also took core samples. The tallest aspen is about 110 years old and shows no signs of rot. Considering that the tree is healthy and viable, specialists believe that it will continue to grow.
The researchers pointed out that enthusiasts should not try to arbitrarily find record holders. Taking into account the requirements of nature conservation and the difficult terrain, experts have recommended visiting the particular forest only with an experienced guide.
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