The Beech Avenue at Kingston Lacy © National Trust
Additional remedial tree surgery is due to start on the famous Beech Avenue at Kingston Lacy.
The surgery will be carried out to 16 trees on the 180-year-old avenue – as well as removing one tree which was toppled in the storms at New Year. The work is due to start on Monday 10 February and will involve the use of traffic control on the B3082 past Badbury Rings.
Of the original planting of 731 trees, 497 of them survive today. Peter Samson, Head Ranger at Kingston Lacy said: “This is essential work which will not only keep the road safe for motorists but will help to extend the lives of the trees and therefore the Beech Avenue. The trees were planted back in 1835 and unfortunately now many of the trees are getting close to the end of their lives, suffering from a combination of old age and disease but this surgery will ensure they remain a feature for as long as possible.”
The National Trust has been planting Hornbeams to replace beech trees lost on the avenue, chosen because they can give the same seasonal colour and shape as the beech trees but are more suited the avenue’s ground conditions.
