|
|
||
Though the village itself, when compared to some communities, is short on examples of what may be termed ‘big’ trees, the parish contains a resource of mature and veteran specimens including examples of native and exotic species. Some fine examples of ‘ancient’ trees occur in Coneygree Lane and the fields which border it. Indeed an appraisal of village maps suggests the parish’s resource of such is associated with old footpaths including the route which extends the line of the Leamington Road across the hillside to the top of Coneygree lane and the proximity of the ancient route of Buckle Street. Specimens noted by the present author include: ash (Fraxinus excelsior), beech (Fagus sylvatica), false acacia (Robinia pseudoacacia), lime (Tilia sp,), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and sweet chestnut (Castanea sativa). Fine specimens of pollarded hybrid black poplar (Populus x canadensis) occur along the Cheltenham Road and other notable trees occur within the parish including evergreen oaks (Quercus ilex) in gardens at the southern end of the high street, horse chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) and red flowered horsechestnut (Aesculus x carnea) on the High Street and a conspicuous flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus) outside the Library on the Leamington Road. Of note on the Sands is a medium sized field maple (Acer campestre – on Fleece Road) which probably represents a survivor from of an old hedgeline, and a fine fastigiate hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) on Bloxham Road. Other species occur throughout the parish and village. For the benefit of wildlife and future generations of humans, these trees should be categorised and subject to arboricultural assessment re. species, health, size, age and any treatment necessary to maintain their well-being. A first step would be to catalogue the parish’s resource of trees, detailing what each specimen is and where it is with details of height, girth and crown radius. This would make a valuable school project and provide a fascinating record for the future.
|
|
|