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• Developing an arboretum with historical significance

• Date:

  12th June 2008

• Contact:

  Sarah Egerton

• Organisation:

  The Civic Trust

The first thing that strikes visitors to Bramcote Hills Park in Nottingham is its collection of very mature trees that date back 200 years. Broxtowe Borough Council, which manages the park, is developing an arboretum to help diversify the wide variety of trees on site.

While most of the important veteran trees are still thriving, there are others that now show signs of decline as they enter into the last stages of life. Because of this they may present a hazard to the public and removal would normally be the safest option. However, in doing so visitors are deprived of observing a tree go through its full natural life-cycle, and beyond, as it supports countless other life forms. To address this, an attractive estate-style fence has been erected around a grand old beech that is sadly suffering from a serious fungal disease.  The tree can now be safely viewed and its important environmental role is preserved.

Looking to the future, the developing arboretum collection increases with a new unusual specimen tree each year which the public may not normally come into contact with. The Mayor of the Borough performs this during an event which encourages local people to get involved. The first tree planted in 2006 was a Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera). This was followed by a Foxglove Tree (Paulownia tomentosa) in November 2007.

With each tree planting a quality leaflet is produced detailing the tree’s special characteristics, which in turn helps to promote the park. In addition, a book of the arboretum plantings is being kept for posterity so future generations are able to see who helped plant the trees as well as learn about special events that the trees may be dedicated to. A final gesture adopted, following a tradition started in Kew Gardens, is to place in the tree pit a new two pound coin, minted the same year the tree was planted. Kew traditionally used a 1p coin but a £2 coin is being used at Bramcote Hills Park due to its robust size and interesting design.

Tim Crawford
Parks and Environment Manager