Trees replaced at Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral in Bedfordshire is one of only three tree cathedrals in the UK
Nestled in the rolling Dunstable Downs and cared for by the National Trust, the Grade II registered Tree Cathedral was planted after the First World War by Edmund Blyth, who served in the infantry, as a living memorial to lost comrades and friends.
Created with an array of trees, shrubs and plants, Blyth took inspiration from the structure of Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral following a visit to the then unfinished cathedral in 1930. Planted in the shape of a traditional cathedral the nave, chancel, transepts, cloisters and side chapels are all formed by mature trees of various species including hornbeam, cypress, lime and cedar and offer a reflective space for visitors.
Over the past few years the ash trees have been weakened by ash dieback which is a fungal tree disease. That causes he ash to become a risk of falling over.
Earlier in the year, ash trees, which formed one of two cloister walks were removed. The ash trees were part of an extension to the tree cathedral added in 1938, with the wide spacing of the trees providing plenty of light and giving an overall effect of a grand avenue.
They have been replaced by twelve native wild service tree saplings, which will be naturally more resistant to other diseases and tolerant to climate change, They will grow to a similar size, shape and crown size as an ash tree, providing beautiful blossom in spring and vibrant colour in autumn.
The ash trees removed from the cloisters will be repurposed as woodchip for paths on the neighbouring Ashridge Estate and the stumps will be moved to the nearby Dell Fields to create valuable deadwood habitats for invertebrates such as beetles.
As the climate alters, we are seeing some of our most culturally significant trees and woodlands threatened along with the connections many people have with them. Places like the Tree Cathedral remind us of our need for trees and nature as symbols of hope, celebration and remembrance and the importance of protecting them.
Whipsnade Tree Cathedral is open every day of the year, with some further conservation works ongoing until spring 2025.