An impressive line of horse chestnuts was planted along Park Lane in around the 1840s. This line extends alongside Chestnut Meadow (to the west) to the site of the one-time Meadow Farm. The row, referred to as the “Avenue” survived to 2000 but by 2003 one tree had died and others soon followed. Currently some trees show signs of the Bleeding Canker disease which is potentially fatal.

Six of the original 13 Avenue trees remain. We now have a programme of replacing the felled trees. As the risk of loss to bleeding canker is high, alternative species are being planted: Oak, Small-leaved lime and Sweet chestnut. These are all stately trees when mature and will add to the diversity. By planting three species we reduce the risk this impressive feature is lost to disease.

The central Horse chestnut may succumb to bleeding canker in time – and quite likely will be replaced by another stately tree. Similarly, the central Lime is currently fine. There are no plans for either tree.

The Commemorative Oak, celebrating the success of raising the funds to secure Abbey Fields, was planted at the northwest end of the meadow in January 2023. The sapling came from Croft Close Nature Reserve. Over time this should develop into a signature tree, substituting for the lost Sycamore whose gnarled trunk stands close by.

The sycamore’s “habitat monolith” stands as a reminder of an impressive tree which is now much used by invertebrates and funga. Aside from any required safety work, it will remain as long as nature permits. The large boughs lying nearby are also valuable for invertebrates – and for sitting on.

We plan to retain the remaining horse chestnuts while they remain in a safe condition (given they line a much-used road with its foot and cycle path). In 2023-25 five new saplings will be planted and a young oak, planted perhaps by a Jay, will be nurtured as the first stage of the Avenue restoration. Other saplings will be removed as part of the scrub management here.