..It stays there for 60 years !
In 1973
a young Kay inscribed her name on this Beech tree at the lookout in Epping Forest. It is still legible, 44 years later, which is how long the tree bark has taken to partially heal it's scar.
In 1959
a someone beginning with T decided to leave their mark on the same tree. Although the year is still readable after 58 years and T is probably a pensioner of some years, the tree has almost grown their name completely out, poignantly the person probably hasn't got long to go either. The tree will no doubt stand for at least another couple of hundred years.
NB: when you scratch your name into a tree you could provide the tree with an easy opening for disease leading to an early and possibly slow death. The bark is the tree's protective layer, much like your skin. It keeps the tree safe from bacterial, fungal and viral diseases as well as predators large and small.
Next time you decide to write your one true love's (or your own) name into a tree bark, remember - trees are alive too. Maybe just take a photo of the tree instead. It would be far more interesting to see how the tree has developed over 60 years, in 60 years time ;)