Jubilee Avenue was planted in 1980 to commemorate the 80th birthday of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and leads from the stable block to the lake.
The line of trees extends over the lake bridge.
Sadly, the trees suffered from including Horse Chestnut Bleeding Canker and Leaf Minor, leading to their early demise. In July 2025, the prolonged dry weather significantly worsened their condition, leading to large branches falling onto public footpaths. This created an immediate and significant risk to public safety, forcing the council to fell 12 trees.
Horse Chestnut Pests and Diseases
Horse Chestnut Canker, caused by bacteria, is the most serious, leading to oozing lesions on the trunk and branches that can eventually kill the tree. Less fatal but visually impactful are Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner and Leaf Blotch. Leaf miners are moth larvae that tunnel within the leaves, creating unsightly brown blotches and causing premature leaf drop, making trees appear autumnal by mid-summer. Leaf Blotch, a fungal disease, also results in irregular brown patches on leaves, often with yellow margins, primarily impacting the tree’s aesthetics rather than its long-term health.
Planting…
Photos: Frank Knight