Storm Arwen was a timely reminder of the importance of proactively monitoring our trees for signs of structural weakness.

Earlier in the year, Histon & Impington Green Spaces engaged a specialist tree surveyor to examine our largest trees. He recommended works to some of these, and this work will shortly be done.

In the main, the work entails reducing the weight on vulnerable boughs and trunks by removing dead wood. Sadly, the sycamore at the western end of Long Meadow is one of the trees affected. 

In other locations, it is possible that many visitors will be unaware of the work after it is done, other than by seeing freshly cut timber on the ground. Other visitors will, of course, note the changes but we hope in most locations natural growth will soon infill any gaps.

Looking to the future, some new planting may be a good idea to improve the age profile of our tree stock in certain locations. (As can be seen at Croft Close, significantly sized trees can soon develop.)

There will be some minor trimming to the lowest branches of some of the horse chestnuts that overhang Park Lane footpath to keep these out of the way of cyclists. Importantly, this work is not expected to change the general appearance of these splendid trees.

The work is likely to be done in early December; should you wish for any further information please contact sitemanagers@abbeyfields.online.

Work on the Long Meadow Sycamore

The western end of Long Meadow is dominated by a magnificent pollarded sycamore, which is believed to be around 200 years old. 

Many of you who have enjoyed the meadow in recent years will be aware that it has been showing signs of distress. Just five years ago it supported a full canopy of leaves, casting welcome shade from summer sun. Sadly, this year the tree was only able to support a thin layer of leaves, and then only on a fraction of its branches.

The tree is clearly dying. Last winter a couple of major boughs came down and more recently it has shed outer branches. For more information, download the report here.

The site managers had a professional tree specialist survey the tree. He unfortunately confirmed the tree is very nearly dead, has a history of major branch failure and poses a significant hazard to people visiting. This view has been confirmed by another independent expert.

As a result, a temporary grass path has been mown avoiding the tree and the path under the tree fenced off. However, this is not a long-term solution. 

The HIGS Trustees and Friends Steering Committee have resolved that we should save as much of the tree as possible. The base of the trunk will remain standing as powerful reminder of a “dear friend” and as a valuable home for insects and other wildlife.

The spreading branches however will be lopped safely from the tree in early December so that unhindered access can be restored.

This is a sad outcome, but we are determined to make something positive of this. 

We are looking for suggestions from Friends and the wider community for this part of the meadow after the work on the tree has been done. (The timber will be stacked safely as a temporary measure.) For example, should we plant a new feature tree which will provide pleasure for future generations? Should we leave felled boughs and branches in the meadow to create a haven for wildlife? Or should we simply take enjoyment from the wide views and the tranquillity of the meadow.

The rapid decline of the sycamore has meant the tree work has had to proceed ahead of the community engagement on managing Long Meadow. This engagement will no doubt include suggestions for restoring the avenue of trees along Park Lane and enhancing the meadow’s flower-richness. The goal must surely be to ensure Long Meadow remains the special place that has been much loved over the years.