“The best time to plant a tree is twenty years ago. The second best time is now,” the wise old proverb goes. At Penheale, we passionately agree. Our historical track-record of tree planting in recent decades reflects this, as does our ongoing commitment. This now includes participating in Cornwall Council’s Forest for Cornwall programme.
We are delighted to be one of the four Registered Parks & Gardens selected to play a role in the scheme, which aims to improve long-term resilience by replacing and restoring historic specimen trees that were once present in the surrounding parkland and fields in the1880s.
The OS 1st edition allowed Forest for Cornwall to locate precisely where trees historically stood and where they can, therefore, be replaced. This included in-field trees, orchards, trees location within hedgerows and copses.
Having reviewed the data, we conducted an in-field audit in collaboration with the incumbent farmer at Hole Farm, to establish where specimens could be introduced and – crucially – whether it was feasible.
As the world around us has changed significantly since 1880, we sought a “win-win,” non-invasive reintroduction of trees which would enhance the landscape and environment but without affecting farm logistics, or compromise existing vistas and established drainage systems.
