Anne Edwards's Trees Talk was extremely interesting and wonderfully illustrated, and was received enthusiastically by a keen audience.
Anne, who works at the John Innes Institute, was the person who first discovered Ash Dieback which originated in Ashwellthorpe Wood and has since spread countrywide, weakening and slowly killing off this iconic species.
The good news is that some resistant trees are being identified (some in Forncett) so a breeding programme from this healthy stock will help begin to regenerate a much loved species.
Anne recommended the following small native trees - all good for wildlife - if you're thinking of planting this autumn:
Hawthorn, Crab, Rowan, Medlar, Cherry (Bird or Wild), Quince, Perry Pear, Hazel, Silver Birch, Elder, Holly, Spindle, Guelder Rose, Privet.
If you're looking for an 'ornamental' or a fruit tree she recommended getting a copy of Nick Dunn's book, 'Trees For Your Garden.'
Looking to the future, we're going to have to know which trees will survive in our rapidly heating climate, as many of our familiar native species will struggle.
Thanks to Carol Sharp for the photographs.
