Tree Surveys in Cornwall - Why Cornish trees are more special. - LJN Blog Posts

Cornwall has traditionally had the lowest percentage of tree cover in England, yet paradoxically has a very strong and well managed tree department, (under the new One Cornwall local authority, but it has been so before this), as well as a truly rich heritage of study and 'tree heroes' as well as of course a huge database of tree surgeons and service companies. Why is this and why is tree surveying and tree health such a major issue here in Cornwall? It is not due to bureaucracy and there is a real reason for this -There are so many factors that it would easy to miss one or two out; but the most important include:The geology and geography of the County. Nestled at the SW tip, the prevailing climate is extreme, unlike Wales, and Scotland and most of the west coast of Ireland, the climate is significantly milder. So while the salt laden winds take their toll the warmer conditions allow for considerably more species to thrive here. Combined with a very diverse underlying geology and subsequent soils the changes to the landscape morphology and soil changes less than every 5 K.The natural history of the County is highly effected by the above, but additional factors include the Tamar river almost separating the County from the rest of England together with the fact that many isolated pockets of the county have remained totally isolated to such an extend that the biodiversity and even the evolution of some tree species is unique.True Ancient Semi Natural Woodlands, adorn the banks of the Fal and Helford, Mature Oak woodlands, some only a metre high, yet several hundred years old, adorn the cliffs of the north coast. Quercus ilex woodlands, Hornbeam woodlands and Elm forests can be found. Apple trees growing on beaches, unique species of willows able to cope with the sand dunes of the north coast. The list can go on and on.Surprisingly and for no particular reason, historically, human intervention has been one of the major factors. The county has seen a plethora of high profile scientists and plant hunters migrate to it or emerge from it. Whilst many may have been drawn to the unique climate there is little to suggest this was the principal factor. Some have argued the history of industry, (certainly the few families who owned the mines competed with one another in creating the most exotic gardens possible), led a part in an attempt to understand plant behaviour when set against some of the harshest conditions found in Europe, but this is a fairly modern study. The best reason has many similarities to the Arts sector - it was simply a good place to congregate, (in much the same way as all modern conferences seem to converge solely on beauty spots).Whatever the reason you will find that all of the great names in the tree world past and present have been to and studied the trees of Cornwall. Oliver Rackham spent much of his formative years in the County, W H Rowe and the Lobb brothers were from the county and Cornwall's inclusion in all the more important texts and books about trees is ascertained.There are many drawn to the County who subsequently develop on the sudden inspiration to uphold what is now a tradition in the planting and welfare of trees - Tim Smit, (responsible for the Eden project and Heligan) and Tony Hibbert, (who rejuvenated Trebah). As well as those in county who have helped to develop to further develop the tree heritage.One notable person in this latter group is Richard Argal Esq., a native of Truro, he has planted a list of more than 200 trees within the City, all of which are rare and unusual species. As such the future of Truro as an arboretum city is secure and I would defy anyone to be able to name even half the trees adorning the verges and green spaces of the city.As an arboriculturalist it is impossible not be drawn to the county, every where you look there is something different, inexplicable and internationally rare.And as the title of the blog suggests the above are some of reasons why tree surveys are so important. The amount of times I have been called to what would be a normal run of the mill operation to discover the tree is an exceptionally rare specimen is countless. The surrounds of the Lobb Brothers home turf in Perrarworthal, which is separated into individual Bungalows is a prime example. Some of the oldest introduced specimens in the UK abound here.If you come - check out the trees in Truro, the peripheral woodlands at Eden, particularly the Chilean plantings, (free of the tourist throngs) and Fox Rosehill in Falmouth.for further info please email trees@cornwalllandscaping.co.ukTree Wise Cornwall

The Duchy is not quite the entity many think it is here, whilst major landowners much of their land is leased out, (much of Cornwall's agricultural land and otherwise is leased much more so other parts of the UK) - but they will heavily promote the benefits of entering into Countryside stewardship schemes etc., and their very presence helps to boost a more environmentally and ethically sound policy throughout.
One little moan is that due to the huge influences on true and historic sustainability there have been many quangos, particular when objective one money came into the county, which have simply set up shop and frankly done little else to assist in the real goals. As such it has been major pushes by the private sector and particularly from private landowners and investors who have really allowed Cornwall to become the showcase it is.

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Comments

Cat Fereday August 4, 2009 at 11:52pm

Thanks for this interesting piece. Apologies if this is obvious, but what about the Duchy? Does that help or hinder?
Tree Wise Cornwall August 18, 2009 at 2:16pm

The Duchy is not quite the entity many think it is here, whilst major landowners much of their land is leased out, (much of Cornwall's agricultural land and otherwise is leased much more so other parts of the UK) - but they will heavily promote the benefits of entering into Countryside stewardship schemes etc., and their very presence helps to boost a more environmentally and ethically sound policy throughout.
One little moan is that due to the huge influences on true and historic sustainability there have been many quangos, particular when objective one money came into the county, which have simply set up shop and frankly done little else to assist in the real goals. As such it has been major pushes by the private sector and particularly from private landowners and investors who have really allowed Cornwall to become the showcase it is.
Pip Howard August 18, 2009 at 2:32pm

Richard Argal is a true altruist and a great benefit to Truro. He received an award from the ITF a few years back, which was well deserved. The great thing is that many of the rare trees planted are in locations where you wouldn't normally see such trees and he has all by himself researched the trees and also attends to their maintenance by himself. I had the fortune to work with him a couple of times, (a result of trying to gain free publicity) and his outlook is just amazing he does this simply because he has a love of trees and his home city and is not looking for any kind of publicity himself. A true local hero.
Cornish Apple Trees October 4, 2009 at 6:16pm

Trees planted in Truro since 1990.xls
Richard Argal gave me this a while ago it is probably completely out of date now with many more editions. The trees of Truro are really something as a result of both the work or Richard Argal and Richard Budge and together with Peter Blake and Jim Lyle one can be proud of the tree heritage of Cornwall carrying on for future generations.

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