Harringay online

Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!

Ancient Oak will be preserved

Photo from Tree Trust for Haringey

 

Following summer damage, an ancient sessile oak tree, thought to be one of the oldest in London, will get some cosmetic surgery before the winter.  Haringey Council will begin a programme of work in late October / early November to preserve the tree, which is located in Bruce Castle Park, Bruce Grove, near Tottenham.

 

Initially two large horizontal limbs will be propped up to lessen the likelihood of them falling. In time the overall size of the canopy will be reduced by approx 30 per cent. This will reduce the weight loading on the trunk, which is hollow. The council believes it could give way eventually if nothing is done.

 

Alex Fraser, Haringey Council’s arboricultural manager, said: “We aim to carry out periodic pruning to reduce the tree to half its current size – this is essential for its survival. It will be monitored after each prune to check on its vitality and response to pruning to determine future work. In recent years, the tree has appeared healthy with vigorous new growth throughout the canopy. These planned works will assist in the safe, long term retention of this important tree. We will ensure that park users and the friends’ group are kept informed.”

 

More about the summer damage on the Tree Trust for Haringey website.

Detailed information on the tree  on the Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Hunt website.

 

If members of the public have any queries regarding this matter please contact Alex Fraser, the council’s Arboricultural Manager, directly on 020 8489 5657.

 

 

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Angela on October 12, 2011 at 19:48

Do you know how old the tree is?

Permalink Reply by Hugh on October 12, 2011 at 20:04
Yes, sorry, records seem to say between 400 and 450 years old.
Permalink Reply by Angela on October 12, 2011 at 20:16

Wow! There is a large oak tree in one of our neighbours garden - I'd love to know how old it is.

 

It's home to a variety of birds with the odd squirrel thrown in.

Permalink Reply by Claudia Clare on October 12, 2011 at 20:17
Oh I love this tree. I'm kicking myself for not drawing it while it was still in 'one' piece as it were. I did wonder if / when that would happen though. Seemed to have grown in a weirdly disproportionate way. Tsk, honestly, why cant trees read the tree books - then this sort of thing wouldn't happen..?

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