The mini-arboretum is now officially open.
We set off from the 508, walking up Smithsons Avenue* towards the golf course, where, about halfway up, tree number one, a red oak is located. Here we welcomed our three special guests: Frank, who planted many of the trees in the 1970s and 1980; Graham who provided expertise in identifying the trees and Chris, whose calendar sales funded the project.
Colin then led an informal walk around the 30 labelled trees, pointing out some of the key characteristics.
The walk concluded at the top of the hill, with tree number 30, a pair of two holm oaks, a species introduced to the UK from the Mediterranean in the 1580s, providing a symbolic connection to the construction of the hall and its Italian architectural influences.
Colin then explained how this was phase one of our tree labelling activities in the park, more news on future phases to follow in the autumn; in the meantime we welcome your feedback on the project so we can make any needed adjustments in the next phase.
Photo credits: Maxine Robbins
* We have used the spelling Smithsons here, while our maps use the spelling Smythson. New information provided by Frank suggests Smithsons is correct, which we are now investigating. If you have any pertinent information on this, please contact us.