An update of changes and developments at the Harcourt Arboretum

This month at the Arboretum we have made some quite substantial changes, in particular the Tree Team have been focusing on an area previously known as the Bamboo glade. Over the years this area has lost a number of specimens, due to frost damage in harsh winters. This had created an opportunity to change and develop the focus of this area along with an adjacent space, which has predominantly been self-seeded Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) and Birch (Betula spp). Over the previous weeks the Arborists have been working to remove a selection of these species in order to open up the area for future planting space.

 In addition to this, views of current and interesting specimens have been opened up. There is now a spot from which the full height of one of the Giant Redwoods (Sequoiadendron giganteum) can be appreciated, alongside the largest Dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) at the arboretum. In this process a young but important Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens) is soon to be exposed, also.

Luke Rowland dismantling one of the Sycamores

Timber extraction

In the process of opening up the new space, a significant amount of stumps have been created, which on arrival of the new stump grinder will be targeted with vigour. The removal of these stumps will open up a large area of ground space, allowing ground preparation to be carried out, and finally to be planted with new species which are currently waiting in the nursery.

Guy Horwood and Luke Rowland

The Harcourt Arboretum

Volunteers working in Bluebell Wood

Our trees faired well through the strong winds over the Christmas period, with only one Giant Fir blown down on the edge of the bluebell wood and some minor branches elsewhere. Januarys main focus is on the coppice, planning and timing of works within the areas of silver birch, hazel and sweet chestnut all depends on what the material will be used for. Birch is mostly used by Botanic Garden staff for plant supports so is cut mid-late March to prolong its whippy/bendy nature, and the hazel and sweet chestnut is mostly used for hedge-laying so can be cut from any time now. Also for the first time ever we now have our woodland barn to hide in for a warm cup of coffee!

Our regular volunteer work parties have been devastatingly effective as normal. In the last two months we have removed two large areas of Rhododendron ponticum, these areas included halting the spread of the Rhododendron into the bluebell wood and the other has opened up an exciting new planting for all our new plants in the temporary nursery.

Fern Gully

Catching some morning sun, whilst admiring Fern Gully

Despite the weather last week, the team has continued working hard, with Fern Gully being the focus of their efforts last Wednesday.  With Rich at the helm, he set about weeding, pruning and mulching Fern Gully, and as a result, it now looks fantastic. Whilst its covering in frost brought its own beauty and seasonal interest, this area will really come into its own come the spring!