Tree Warden Frances Fancourt reports:
The Bookham Tree Wardens have planted five heritage apple trees at Lower Shott. The trees were donated by Gillian Bailey which Gillian has funded in honour of her 80th birthday. The variety planted is "Claygate Pearmain".
Incidentally, in 1973 Gillian planted the big walnut tree in the High Street outside Layton's greengrocers. It grew from a big walnut tree, now lost, which grew behind what is now Tesco. In 1973 Dutch elm disease had decimated the British treescape and "Plant a tree in '73" became the cry which spurred on replanting.
These will become large apple trees and residents will be encouraged to use the free fruit. They are all old British varieties and once bigger will start producing fruit from September to February.
Happy birthday Gillian!
