The horse chestnut tree as it looks now, on 30 November 2010, after it has been pollarded...

Photo: Claire Heenan

Christel Ankersmit, who made these photos in October 2010, reports that the pollarding of the Horse Chestnut has not taken place yet. The operation will be done when it has cast off all its leaves. Thanks for the colourful images, Christel!

Decision on the future of the tree (early September 2010)

(From the website of Schumacher College)

There has been concern regarding the future of the Horse Chestnut tree that stands outside Schumacher College. The tree has shed significant boughs in recent weeks, which led to an assessment of the health of the tree and the possible risk to those around the tree, by internal and external experts.

Three options were proposed and two mitigating measures have been considered further. The first was to significantly crown reduce, or pollard, the tree. The second was to crown thin the tree by c.50%. These two options have been considered by Dartington Hall Trust staff, including the Schumacher College team and it has been decided to opt for a mid-course solution between full crown reduction and crown thinning at this stage. It is agreed that this approach should significantly reduce the risk of injury to visitors and students and potential damage to surrounding buildings. This process will involve removing much of the weight of the tree. It is acknowledged that this will alter the appearance of the tree, however we believe that this should prolong the life of the tree. In the spring it is hoped the tree will respond with new growth so softening the necessary pruning work, albeit it will be reduced in size.

This work will begin this month. In the meantime temporary fencing and signage has been installed. It has also been agreed to utilise wood cut from the tree at the new Schumacher College campus and to grow saplings from the tree at both Old Postern and the new campus.

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