There was a kind of grim fascination in the faces of visitors at the Royal Botanic Garden (RGBE) this morning.
New Year storms have toppled at least 40 trees (including some of the oldest and biggest), the roots of which could not find sufficient purchase in ground that was already sodden after heavy winter rainfall.
A further 10 or so may have to come down, and another 20 or 30 will require attention to repair or limit serious damage to trunks and boughs.
Large parts of the RGBE are now roped off as staff labour to clear access roads, isolate unstable or otherwise unsafe survivors, and dispose of the timber.
The sound of woodchippers and chainsaws was everywhere.
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