As in most parts of the UK, the Elm has suffered a huge demise in Cornwall and it's presence in the Cornish landscape is now confined to some very isolated patches, as well as being the obligatory dead tree in the hedgerow.
The eminent forester and author Esmond Harris discovered a pair of thriving Elm trees on his estate by the Tamar, thought to be the European White Elm and subsequent seed collection allowed for a significant amount of Elms, which appear to be resilient against the dreaded Dutch Elm Disease. Together with other isolated specimens, including large and very healthy Ulmus minor angustifolia specimens elsewhere in the County it was possible to propagate significant amounts of these trees. As such there are now enough specimens available to purchase Elms for replanting in Cornwall.
The Cornish Elm, (Sometimes also known as the Lizard Elm - probably because of it's dominance in the hedgerows of the Lizard and the famed Rosuic Elm, as referred to by Oliver Rackham), is a fastigiate form of Elm, which favours Hedgerows. It is susceptible to Dutch Elm Disease and tends to , (as a rule of thumb), succumb at around 15 feet in height. But the suckers remain and as such the longevity of the species is amazing. Most importantly it also responds well to both traditional and modern hedge maintenance. And due to its ability to survive in the harsher and more exposed areas of Cornwall, and giving fantastic shelter as a result it should be considered as a dominant species in the planting mixes of hedges.
The banks of Fal estuary, have a considerable amount of Kea Plum, which has naturalised over hundreds of years and transformed the species mix for these areas. There are two principal varieties of Kea Plum, the red and black, with a few associated species as well. There is scant evidence as to how the trees became naturalised, but appear to have simply materialised about 400 - 500 years ago. It is probably the result of some primitive cultivating from Sloes. They are now responsible for a true Cornish delicacy, Kea Plum Jam has a unique taste and is delicious.
The trees are available at all sizes, but younger are best as they can be introduced as a hedgerow plant surrounding orchards. The renaissance of the Cornish orchard is widely documented and several new acres of Cornish Varieties have been planted in the last couple of years, the Kea Plum in the hedgerow makes a fantastic companion to the apple trees and as such a new landscape is involving in pockets all over Cornwall, which will remain unique to the County.
Sea Buckthorn, Hippophae rhamnoides, part of the Eleagnus family, can be found in large amounts on the dunes and environs of Cornwall. It is a truly remarkable plant, a nitrogen fixer, it can help stabilise the worst of banks, will grow in areas little else will, will withstand the harshest of conditions. It also produces a sweet and delicious berry, indeed most of this plant is edible and medicinal. It is also very attractive and a noticeable edition to any hedgerow, but will favour hedges in the West and North of the County.
Comments
I love the fal estuary i wont too move there no chance of it ever hapening though bloody second homes!