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SIDMOUTH ARBORETUM
ANNUAL TREE DAY
Saturday 15 June 2013
The Sid Vale Association and the Sidmouth Arboretum both
claim to be first of their sort. The SVA was
the first civic society - founded in 1846 - and the Arboretum makes claim to be
the first civic arboretum – possibly in the world. The claim could be disputed
by Derby Arboretum which was created on land given by mill owner, Joseph
Strutt, to the City of Derby in 1840. The difference is the Sidmouth
Arboretum seeks to include both private and public land owners within the Town
Council jurisdiction to participate in its aims.
Our first aim is to recognise the
value of our heritage trees. Many were planted in the heyday of
Victorian Sidmouth, at a time when country estates – such as the Holford family
at Westonbirt the National Arboretum – were enthusiastic to establish a plant
collection from the new species which were arriving from abroad. So we have
very mature Monterey pine, Scots Pines, Tulip Trees, and Giant Redwood which are
nearing the end of their life. There are also examples of well established
sweet chestnut and holm oak which had come from the Mediterranean areas possibly
in Roman times. These are magnificent trees, host to a wide variety of birds
and insects. We need to plant NOW so that our grandchildren can also appreciate
such venerable trees.
The morning sessions were free and began with the
urban environment. Keith Sacre of Barcham Trees and a founder member of south
west Tree and Design Action Group noted that trees in Sidmouth are disappearing
under the building developments - currently at Fortfield and Mill Street for
example. TDAG say trees should be an integral part of the planning process,
with clear standards for the protection, care and planting of trees. One tree
removed demands several small replacements to provide the same size canopy. Kenton Rogers, an experienced urban forester and arboricultural consultant,
explained that the value of trees can be assessed in scientific terms. For
instance which tree is most efficient at removing pollution from the atmosphere
– or which tree is most likely to alleviate flood risk. If we organised a
survey of the trees of the Sid Valley, then we would have facts and figures with
which to plan for future gardens and landscapes.
Chris Woodruff of the AONB East Devon and Nick Davey spoke
next about the rural environment. The value of landscape and how to maintain
hedges and wooded hills, while balancing the needs of farmers and walkers. The recent evidence of tree diseases and insect attacks on trees was put into
perspective by Nick Davey, of Perrie Hale Nursery, who both grows and supplies
saplings throughout East Devon.
We want to encourage more planting
of trees and shrubs – woody plants which have a presence throughout the
year and provide not only leaf and flower colour, but wider benefits for
wildlife and human environment. And we want to help people understand the
importance of plants – and how they grow. There is no shortage of species to
choose from but too few come into our gardens, as we – and the District Council
- rely on a limited proven range.
And we aim to increase understanding
of values of trees and shrubs, including hedgerows. And their value to
reduce air pollution, ease flood control, add to the aesthetic senses of smell
and beauty, and improve variety of flora and fauna. After all without
photosynthesis, where would we be?
The afternoon
session began with a guided walk led by
Roy Lancaster OBE writer and broadcaster, and Hugh Angus, consultant to the
Arboretum, who has come to know the town well. We were fortunate to be
invited into the Belmont Hotel garden as well as two private gardens ending at
Littlecourt Cottages with tea taken in the delightful gardens and terraces.
Most returned to Kennaway House for the final session with Professor Julia
Slingo OBE speaking on climate change and the possible effects on arboretum
planting. Julia is particularly interested in the more unusual fruit trees,
such as mulberry and quince, and we are looking for a suitable site in
Sidmouth.
Roy Lancaster then gave a lively
talk based on a selection of foliage and flowers which we had collected from
around the town. Roy has visited some amazing places in pursuit of unusual
plant species and is a lively and humorous speaker. Hugh Angus brought the
proceedings to a close, and we discussed the priorities for the year
ahead.
We acknowledge with grateful
thanks the support of the Keith Owen Fund – in particular for the web site and
Tree Trail leaflets.
On the Arboretum's own pages, the report concludes with:
Hugh Angus concluded the meeting by thanking all the speakers and in particular Diana East for organising the day. He along with all the speakers wished the arboretum project success and hoped that it would become a model all over world.
His final anecdote proved how useful trees were when hiding from angry clients at least as long as they do not look up and see your feet in the canopy.
A glass of bubbly and cakes ended the day with more informal and increasingly animated discussions...
A glass of bubbly and cakes ended the day with more informal and increasingly animated discussions...
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