
HS2 tree lives on after being felled
An ancient pear tree that was felled to make way for the HS2 development will live on in the form of saplings
Saplings from a 250-year old tree that was felled to make way for the HS2 railway development are to ensure the ancient tree will live on.

The Cubbington Pear Tree in Warwickshire was named tree of the year in 2015 but was on land used for the £100 billion railway development. As compensation for its felling, over 40 new trees have been grown from cuttings taken from the tree, which was situated in a hedgerow south of South Cubbington Wood.
It was in 2014 that Paul Labous from the Shuttleworth College started to graft the tree from cuttings. In 2015 he confirmed the DNA from the parent tree was true to type for grafting and the first tree was given back to the community.
There will be 6.2 hectares of broadleaved wood planted around South Cubbington Wood to replace the two hectares removed for HS2. Two hectares of ancient woodland soils are being 'translocated' to join up South Cubbington Wood and Weston Wood.
The Cubbington Pear Tree was located on private land, but near to a public footpath. It was though to be the UK's oldest wild pear tree. The pear tree was unable to be relocated as the lower trunk was hollow and the stump and roots were planned to be relocated within South Cubbington Wood for wildlife. The tree was cut down on 20 October 2020.
Authors
Summer sale! 3 issues for £5
Try 3 issues of Gardens Illustrated today for just £5. Subscribe today and enjoy beautiful places, top planting ideas and expert advice for your garden. *Offer ends 1st July 2022. This offer is only available to UK residents paying by Direct Debit
Sponsored Deals
Container Gardening Special Edition
The Gardens Illustrated Guide to Container Gardening. In this special edition, discover colourful flower combinations and seasonal planting schemes for pots designed by leading plantspeople, and essential know-how for container gardening success. Just £9.99 inc UK p&p
Gardens of the Globe
Discover some of the most glorious gardens from around the world.Find out more
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.