A group of 12 explored the trees of Calderstones Park which include some interesting specimens from North America (planted due to the Park’s connection with the transatlantic shipping line Cunard), as well as many from Asia, Europe and even the southern hemisphere.
Over 70 species were looked at and discussed. The first tree was the unusual Spur-Leaf (Tetracentron sinense) from Asia, which is allied to the Magnolias and has the primitive wood structure of a conifer. Two Plum Yews were studied (Cephalotaxus fortunei and C. harringtonii) and compared to the Common Yew (Taxus baccata) and also to the closely related Californian Nutmeg (Torreya californica).
Comparisons were made between different species of:
Limes- Tilia x petiolaris, T x euchlora, T x europaea and Tilia americana;
Ashes- Fraxinus ornus, F. excelsior and F. oxycarpa;
Walnuts- Juglans regia, J. nigra, and J. ailanthifolia;
Pines- Pinus ponderosa, P. mugo, P. parvifora, P. pinaster, and P x holfordiana; Redwoods- Sequoia sempervirens and Sequoiadendron giganteum;
Cedars- Cedrus atlantica, C. deodara and C. libani.
The two deciduous conifers Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) from China, and Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distichum) from the USA, were compared and contrasted.
Time was spent at the 1000 year old Allerton Oak, under which ‘Hundreds Courts’ were said to have been held.
Five closely related conifers were examined in the ‘Ring of Five’. These are: Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata); Lawson Cypress (Chamaecyparis lawsonia); Sawara Cypress (C. pisifera); Hinoki Cypress (C. obtusa) and Nootka Cypress (C. nootkatensis). The close proximity of these five helps with their tricky identification.
Estimation of the height of a tree was demonstrated and measurement of girth was used to suggest the age of a couple of specimens.
Lunch was enjoyed in the sunshine in the walled garden where the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla) was viewed in the glasshouse.
Later the group walked down the avenue of American Limes on route to see the Calderstones themselves (six stones which formed part of a burial chamber used by a local Neolithic community), which are now housed in a glasshouse in the Harthill side of the Park.
Towards the end of the day two trees from the southern hemisphere were seen: Polylepis australis (an unusual member of the Rosaceae family from the Andes with a papery bark which builds up in layers) and Coigue (Nothofagus dombeyi) a Southern Beech.
And finally the day ended with a new find of the Snowbell Tree (Styrax japonica) showing its lovely hanging fruits.
Thanks to all who came along to enjoy the trees of Calderstones Park.

Report by Maria Knowles

Pictures by Peter Gateley

American Lime	American lime	Atlas Cedar	Coique	Dawn Redwood

	Mountain Pine	Polylepis australis	Spur-leaf	Spur-leaf

Western Red Cedar