1917 - The Lollipop Tree - Beech

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This tree features in the final scene of the widely acclaimed film, 1917. Directed by Sam Mendes, it was released 100 years after its namesake and is known for being a "one take" f ilm. Located on MOD land on Salisbury Plain, this lone and scraggly beech was locally known as the "Lollipop Tree" before the film was made. The Famous Tree Company has exclusive permission to collect beech nuts from this tree. Please note the first batch is expected to be delivered in 2027 when the saplings have reached a healthy size. There is also a 'register your interest' list you can sign up to to join the waiting list for future priority. The story follows two young British Lance Corporals, William Schofield and Thomas Blake, who are ordered to carry a message to the Devonshire Regiment, to call off a scheduled attack the next morning. The retreat by the Germans was actually a planned trap, and would jeopardise the lives of 1,600 men, including Blake's Brother, Joseph, a Lieutenant. Fraught with peril, the story follows Schofield's incredible journey across no-mans land, tangling with tripwires, plane crashes, snipers and platoons. "If you do manage to get to Colonel Mackenzie, make sure there are witnesses. Some men just want the fight" The end scene shows Schofield meeting Lieutenant Blake, and informing him of his brothers death, before handing him his dog tags. Schofield says he would like to write to their mother, explaining he was a good man, always telling funny stories and that he saved his life. They shake hands before Schofield walks off solemnly to this lonely beech tree, before looking at pictures of his loved ones. It mirrors the start of the film, where both soldiers are also resting against two beeches, but trees feature as metaphors throughout the film, including desolate trees in no-mans land, the felled cherry orchard, a felled oak blocking the convoy and the cherry blossom in the river before finding D company in a woodland. "Oh no, they'll grow again when the stones rot. You'll end up with more trees than before" "Keep your eyes on the trees" Fun fact: Extras used this tree as a toilet, without knowing it was going to be in the final scene! Show more