Adopt a Tree
A new generation of trees is being introduced across the park over the winter of 2020/21 through the Poole Park Life project.
As part of that, we are delighted to introduce the Poole Park ‘Adopt a Tree’ scheme, whereby those trees can be dedicated by park users. Adopted trees are a lasting, ecologically friendly opportunity to commemorate a special person or occasion, the birth of a child or a wedding perhaps, or as a living memorial marking the loss of a loved one.
Trees are an essential part of Poole Park’s distinctive character, providing depth and colour, containment and memories for park users young and old; with your help the Adopt a Tree Scheme will ensure a good range of trees for future generations to enjoy.
We are offering 82 trees for adoption.
A newly planted oak tree on the carriage drive
Tree species to choose from
BCP Council decided some months ago on the tree species to be planted; the selection (which includes English Oaks, Horse Chestnuts, Hornbeam and Pines more below) meets the aims of the Poole Park Conservation Plan, and guarantees a good range of trees suitable to ensure, for instance, the continuation of the avenue of trees along the carriage drive, and other strategic planting.
These are well developed and impactful semi-mature trees that have been grown in nurseries and are of a significant size – some 3m in height with a stems typically 18-20cm in girth, that cannot easily be vandalised.
Where will adopted trees be planted?
We have created a map outlining 10 locations for commemorative trees, which are in keeping with park design, and ensure the most appropriate environment for each species to grow and flourish – please refer to the documents below.
Update: approximately 40 trees have now been adopted; we are in the process of updating the location maps and list of available trees
Examples of some of the species on our list (shown in a nursery setting). Images courtesy of Hillier Tree Nursery.
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulas)
Hornbeam (Carpinus betulas)
English Oak (Quercus robur)
English Oak (Quercus robur)
Small Leaf Lime (Tilia cordata)
Small Leaf Lime (Tilia cordata)
The cost of adoption
The fee charged for a commemorative tree includes the cost of the semi-mature tree, specialist planting with the appropriate equipment such as watering kits and anchor systems, an engraved plaque and on-going maintenance for a period of 10 years
£550
How to Adopt a Tree
If you would like to adopt a tree in Poole Park, please contact Toni Powell in the first instance. She can explain which trees are available, and help you to decide on the species and location of your adopted tree.
Poole Park Life, BCP Council
E: martin.whitchurch@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
Once your decision is made we will ask you to complete an application form, which includes accepting our terms and conditions, confirming the details you would like to include on the tree plaque, and information about how to make payment.
The tree you choose could already be planted or could be part of future planting plans.
Example tree plaque
Ownership and maintenance of trees
- The adopted tree remains the property of BCP Council.
- The tree will remain in place for a minimum period of 10 years. During that period the tree is recorded as a commemorative tree, linked to your details.
- We fully intend to maintain healthy trees for their entire natural lifespan wherever possible, however this cannot be guaranteed. Trees may fail due to climatic conditions, disease or vandalism. If this should occur, we will happily discuss a replacement tree but this remains at our discretion. We look at each case individually and would always discuss any change in circumstances with you.
The Leaning Tree, Poole Park
The Leaning Tree, Poole Park
The tree-lined view from Norton’s Gate © Iain Murray
The tree-lined view from Norton’s Gate
Trees are an essential part of Poole Park’s distinctive character, providing depth and colour
Autumnal view across the cricket field towards the Cygnet play area
If you would like to adopt a tree in Poole Park, please contact Martin Whitchurch; he can explain which trees are available, and help you to decide on the species and location of your adopted tree.
Martin Whitchurch
Poole Park Life, BCP Council
E: martin.whitchurch@bcpcouncil.gov.uk