PRESS
RELEASE
15th November 2012
Ancient
sycamore returned to Newbattle
Abbey College
Newbattle
Abbey College are set to re-plant the saplings of an ancient tree that stood in
the College grounds for nearly 450 years. The baby trees have been rescued from
the original that fell in strong winds six years ago.
On
Friday 16th November, the College will hold a special tree planting
ceremony as part of its continued 75th Anniversary Celebrations.
Four
saplings from the old sycamore will be planted along with two rowan saplings
and 420 large hedge/copse plants given to Newbattle Abbey
College
Over
20 pupils from St David’s Primary school will also join in the fun. The group
will arrive at the College around 10am to spend some time working with lecturer
Paul Connachan in the community garden learning before enjoying a woodland
walk. The official planting ceremony will begin at 11.30am.
The
original sycamore is believed to have been first planted in the College grounds
by the Earl of Lothian in 1560. After standing tall for centuries on the
College’s picturesque drive way, the 95 foot giant came crashing down in May
2006. The wood was then used to make decorative furniture celebrating the
College’s 70th Anniversary. This furniture still stands inside the
College building.
Community
Forester for the Scottish Lowlands Forest District John Ogilvie, said: “The
four sycamore seedlings that we will be planting on the 16th, were
taken from the original tree when it blew down in 2006. They have been kept in
a nearby nursery where they’ve been brought up ever since.
“The
significance of this tree planting ceremony is that we are replanting a piece
of the College’s extensive history. Being able to make sure we can maintain
that link with history is really something special to be a part of.
“Of
course trees throughout the College grounds will continue to fall and die and
now really is the time to make sure we begin planting and sustaining the
woodland to make sure future generations can enjoy the same beautiful
surroundings we see here today.”
Commenting
on the return of the ancient tree to the College grounds, Principal Ann
Southwood said: “The old sycamore was a significant feature of the grounds,
dominating the main entrance to the College, and it was much loved by staff and
students alike. Therefore it brings us great pleasure to be able to return part
of the original tree to its rightful home. This re-planting is an ideal way of
being able to keep the sycamore part of the College’s history for centuries to
come.”
-ENDS-
For more information, contact: Fiona Miller, Halogen Communications, (T) 0131 202 0120 (F) 0131 225 3757 (E) Fiona@halogencom.com
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