The cherished pear tree of Cubbington, Warwickshire, believed to be over 250 years old, has astounded locals by coming back to life. This iconic tree, previously awarded the prestigious title of 'Tree of the Year' in 2015, was felled in 2020 to pave the way for the HS2 railway project. Despite the fervent efforts of thousands who petitioned for its preservation, the tree's future looked bleak, especially given its hollow trunk, which posed a significant challenge to its survival prospects.
From Stump to Sprouts: A Surprise in Store
Much to the amazement and delight of the local community, the transplanted stump and root ball of the felled tree, positioned a mere 100 meters from its original site, is now sprouting with renewed vigor. Rosemary Guiot, a local resident, expressed her surprise, noting, "We were absolutely delighted, though it will never truly be the same."
Local residents attribute this remarkable resurgence to the tree's fortunate transplantation into moisture-retentive heavy clay soils. Such conditions proved crucial, especially given the recent dry summers that have claimed the lives of thousands of young saplings planted by HS2 contractors.
HS2's Green Efforts Amidst Controversy
While HS2's decision to fell the ancient pear tree was met with significant backlash, Amy Middlemist from Balfour Beatty Vinci, the landscape lead for the contractors, expressed her elation at the tree's unexpected revival. She explained that the tree's robust root system, equipped with the right nutrients, played a pivotal role in harnessing the energy produced during photosynthesis, which in turn fueled its growth.
Despite the controversies, HS2 has undertaken substantial environmental initiatives. Alongside cutting through the ancient South Cubbington Wood, they've planted a staggering 60,000 new trees and built two green bridges to ensure continued connectivity of public footpaths and wildlife corridors.
The Legacy of the Pear Lives On
Beyond the original tree's unexpected rebirth, the legacy of the ancient pear tree persists throughout Cubbington. Local enthusiasts collaborated with Paul Labous, a horticulturist from Shuttleworth agricultural college, who successfully grafted cuttings from the ancient tree onto new rootstock. This initiative resulted in 15 young trees that now adorn various locations, from the local churchyard to primary schools and even distant nature reserves.
Moreover, HS2 took a leaf out of Labous's book, employing his grafting methods to produce an additional 40 saplings, which have been planted in the vicinity.
The Fruit of Resilience
The most heartwarming aspect of this tale lies in the tree's inherent nature. Unlike many of its contemporaries, the original pear wasn't a grafted tree. This means that, given enough time, the sprouts from its stump could yield the very same pears it once bore – described by Guiot as "not gourmet, but certainly delightful to eat."
As HS2 continues its development amidst environmental concerns, the enduring story of Cubbington's ancient pear tree stands as a testament to nature's indomitable spirit and resilience.
©GlobalCO2.uk
