Original proposals for improvements to Ashbourne’s historic Victoria Square, part of the Ashbourne Reborn Highways and Public Realm project led by Derbyshire County Council, proposed the retention of the existing Maple tree. Unfortunately, following inspection of the root base, the tree has been found to be in poor health. Plans are therefore being drawn up to replace it with a new tree – a Liquidamber styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ – alongside the remaining repair and restoration of the listed surface.
Through the development of the Ashbourne Reborn Highways and Public Realm scheme, the County Council and District Council have sought expert advice on the approach to trees within the scheme. However, as works in Victoria Square have progressed, careful exploration to expose the base of the tree to enable its planned protection revealed that the root system is in poor health and that the tree is approaching the end of its natural life. Whilst the poor health of the tree has not been caused by the regeneration works, the ongoing improvements provide an opportunity to install a root protection system which will help create the best conditions for a healthy and longer life for the replacement tree. The final design and placement will need to avoid underground services present in this location.
The choice of a young Liquidamber reflects the importance of the tree in the street scene in Victoria Square, where new upgraded street furniture will also be installed, as well as cycle parking. The species is known for its glossy, maple-like foliage and stunning orange, crimson and purple autumn colours. The contractor carrying out the works on behalf of the County Council, Galliford Try, will be donating the replacement tree.
At the start of this year, two trees were removed in the Shrovetide Walk area due to poor health. This included a Rowan tree on the raised area by Henmore Brook, along with a small nearby ash tree which was suffering from Ash Dieback disease. A remaining Maple tree has been retained and incorporated into the design of the new seating area adjacent Henmore Bridge following planning approval of the scheme.
In the autumn, a new tree will be planted on the wider Shrovetide Walk site in place of the Rowan and, following contact with the local Scouts and Guides groups, it is hoped to bring together those involved in planting the original trees 40 years on in a commemorative tree planting event. Six additional trees will also be planted on the Market Place, bringing much-needed greenery into the town centre. New street furniture will be installed so that visitors can enjoy the pedestrianised Market Place, where the Grade II listed surface is being repaired and upgraded, improving the space for Ashbourne’s vibrant programme of local events. The new trees will be maintained by the District Council.
A second project, led by Ashbourne Methodist Church, will develop a new community hub in the church buildings at the junction of Church Street and Station Road. The Link Centre will provide a range of new services to residents, businesses and visitors across Ashbourne. As well as incorporating five different types of bird boxes, and bat boxes, the development is intended to include a new community garden at the Gateway Lodge. The garden will include low level shrubs and groundcover which will provide habitat value to birds and invertebrates, and the existing magnificent copper beech tree is being retained.
Ashbourne Reborn is a £15.9m programme aimed at transforming Ashbourne town centre through significant improvements to highways and public realm and the development of the Link Community Hub. It is funded by UK Central Government via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The District Council is the Accountable Body for Ashbourne Reborn, Derbyshire County Council is responsible for delivering the Highways and Public Realm project and Ashbourne Methodist Church the Link Community Hub. These partners work in collaboration with Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council and AshCom who brought forward proposals, identified opportunities and raised match funding for the original bid.
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