A tree trail, launched by Farnham Town Council, promises to be a new way to enjoy the town.
The new trail is a self-guided tour of over 30 noteworthy trees in central Farnham, taking in the town’s key locations, such as Gostrey Meadow and the Farnham Maltings, the main shopping streets, St Andrew’s church and the Victoria Garden. Each of the trees included in the route is beautiful or interesting in some way. The guide includes information on each of the featured trees and has been put together by Farnham Town Council and local tree specialist Peter Bridgeman.
“The trees in and around our town centre contribute enormously towards making Farnham such a pleasant and attractive place. It’s so easy to take them for granted and to never take time to stop, look up and appreciate them,” says the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward. “By following the trail and Peter Bridgeman’s expert commentary, you can learn about the different species, such as native oaks and ashes and the wonderfully named pocket handkerchief tree, while you take in your surroundings.”
Among the highlights is a gingko, a species which is thought to pre-date the dinosaurs. Native species found along the route include an English elm, an English oak, a hornbeam, alder and ash while others originate from as far away as China and Taiwan, the United States, Greece and elsewhere in Europe.
“As the route only covers central Farnham, most people will find they can easily complete it within two hours. The route is a very pleasant walk around town but if you do need a rest along the way, you are never too far from a cafe or somewhere to sit down or even have a picnic,” says the Mayor.
Local tree expert Peter Bridgeman who devised the trail says: “We’re very lucky in Farnham to have a wide variety of species of trees in our town centre. I hope local residents and visitors will enjoy finding out a bit more about them. Many of the trees we think of as being quintessentially British actually originate from other countries: the horse chestnut, for example, that gives us conkers in the autumn, was introduced from Greece and Albania. I devised the trail with Farnham Town Council to help local people appreciate just how valuable trees are to the town.”
The route starts and ends at Gostrey Meadow and takes around two hours to complete on foot. Download the commentary and map or pick up a copy from Farnham Town Council’s offices in South Street.
Mayor of Farnham, Councillor John Ward is photographed with Peter Bridgeman in front of a dawn redwood, number 3 on the tree trail.
