News / Environment
Schools and volunteers restore lost avenue
Volunteers and local schools have come together to restore the environment of one of Bristol’s most historic buildings, by planting a new avenue of trees at Kings Weston Estate.
After two years planning, the avenue of 17 lime trees which once led to the front of the Grade I-listed Kings Weston House was replanted yesterday.
Local schools and volunteers came together to recreate the vision of Sir Robert Southwell, who from 1690 was president of the Royal Society and Secretary of State for Ireland.
The trees pre-date Kings Weston House, but gradually disappeared between 1760 and the early 20th century.
Their original location was found thanks to a Time Team-style archaeological geophysical survey in January 2012.
The Kings Weston Action Group (KWAG) raised funds for the trees from donations in memory of KWAG’s co-founder Tim Denning, who died suddenly in October 2012. Since then they have been working with Bristol City Council’s Tree Pips team to develop the project.
David Martyn, chairman of KWAG, said: “Tim Denning was a real driving force behind KWAG when we first started three years ago. When we lost him it was a real blow, but the group has gone from strength to strength largely through the foundations he laid.
“I know he would have approved of the replanting of the avenue, and this is a fitting tribute to his enthusiasm and commitment to the Kings Weston parkland.”
To find out more about KWAG and to see more photos of the tree planting, visit the KWAG website here.
Pictures by Bob Pitchford
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