Tree restoration to start in Cirencester Park

A Gloucestershire estate is to continue "important tree work" this winter to restore a historic avenue.

Bathurst Estate will be replacing diseased Horse Chestnut Trees with Small Leaved Limes in Cirencester Park this week.

The work will take place along Broad Avenue - from Cecily Hill in Cirencester to the Golden Valley near Sapperton.

Speaking to BBC Radio Gloucestershire, Lord Bathurst reassured listeners the park would remain open for visitors.

Phase I of the tree restoration started in 2019 but slowed due to the pandemic, concluding in 2020.

Lord Bathurst said: "We're now looking to enter into phase II in order to keep the landscape as would have been planned back in the 1800s.

"The Horse Chestnuts are coming down because they're at the end of their lives," he said. "They have a lifespan of about 200 years - they grow old just like we do."

It is estimated there were originally 240 Horse Chestnuts planted 10 yards apart along Broad Avenue, thought to be planted to commemorate the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Lord Bathurst said he thought these trees were the wrong type to plant - citing their wide growth pattern which blocks the Avenue - and their susceptibility to grey squirrels.

He added this is not the case with Small Leaf Lime trees which will enable the park to "retain the avenue for the future".

Phase II of the restoration will begin in January with trees being re-planted in February and March this year.

The park will remain open with visitors being re-directed along different routes.

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