High tech tree for Buckingham

Archived press release

Date Published: 06/12/07

A new ‘high-tech’ tree will be setting down roots in Buckingham this week as part of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s annual tree planting programme. The council wil be planting a new variety of elm tree called ‘New Horiz...

A new ‘high-tech’ tree will be setting down roots in Buckingham this week as part of Aylesbury Vale District Council’s annual tree planting programme.

The council wil be planting a new variety of elm tree called ‘New Horizon’, which is thought to be disease resistant, at the junction of Elm Street and Castle Street.

It is the first elm tree to be planted by the district council in Buckingham since the outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970s.

Historically, there is a reference to an elm tree in this area dating back to 1574. The original tree, known as a Cutterne Elm, stood by Buckingham Castle according to historical records.

In 1994 a cherry tree was planted at the site to commemorate the anniversary of the Women’s Institute. The tree was removed by AVDC in 2006 due to its poor health.  

More than 120 trees are to be planted in the Aylesbury and Buckingham areas this winter. Double flowering cherry trees and rowan trees will be planted in various locations around the towns including Bedgrove and Abbey Road in Aylesbury, and Hilltop Estate in Buckingham.

Councillor David Thompson, Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “This new specimen signals the return of what was once a very significant species in the landscape of the Vale, and indeed southern England. The broad-leaved tree will have an uplighter and a bench and will restore a unique feature of the town for residents and visitors to Buckingham.”