Notable and Venerable Trees 3

Home , Balby, Barnby Dun, Brodsworth, Cusworth, Sprotbrough, Sprotbrough and Cusworth

A List of Noteworthy Trees

to be found in the Doncaster Borough

including some of the largest, oldest

and rarest specimens

Tree Survey Completed October 2000

“Of all the trees that grow so fair, Old England to adorn greater are none beneath the sun than oak, and ash, and thorn.”

From “ A Tree Song” by Rudyard Kipling 1863-1936

Directorate of Development and Transport Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council 2 nd Floor, Danum House, St. Sepulchre Gate Doncaster Planning Services DN1 1UB Executive Director: Adam Skinner, B.Arch., R.I.B.A., A.R.I.A.S. April 2001

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Council would like to thank the respective owners of trees for their co-operation whilst details were being collected for this document. The council also acknowledge Mrs Spencer for providing historic reference material relating to the Skelbrooke area.

The following members of staff contributed to this document:

Edwin Pretty (Author) - Planner (Trees) Jonathan Tesh - Planning Assistant (Trees) Colin Howes - Keeper of Environmental Records Julia White - Word Processor Operator Patricia Wood - Word Processor Operator Shirley Gordon - Technician Andrea Suddes - Technician Paul Ramshaw - Technician

CONTENTS

PAGE

General Introduction 1

Geology and Soil Types 1

Hydrology of the Borough 1

What Constitutes a Notable or 2 Venerable Tree

Estimated Age of Trees 2

Methodology 2

The List of Notable and Venerable Trees 3

Some Notable Trees of the Past 90

Conclusion 91

Bibliography 92

References 93

APPENDICES

Appendix One - Doncaster Landscape Character Areas

Appendix Two - Rainfall Figures

Appendix Three - Tabulated Statistics of the Trees Listed

Appendix Four - Map of Parish Boundaries

Appendix Five - Map Showing Site of ‘The Bishops Tree’

GENERAL INTRODUCTION

The duties of the author, principally that of administering Tree Preservation Orders and the Hedgerows Regulations, has enabled him to “find” trees which are considered to be noteworthy.

The importance of the trees listed should not be under-estimated as they have various special qualities e.g. their longevity, stature, seed bank source, amenity value and wild life habitat provision.

Without doubt several other notable and venerable trees exist in the Doncaster Borough which are not included here. However, it is hoped that the trees listed will give an insight into the many quality trees which are to be found locally.

Doncaster Metropolitan Borough covers an area of 58,153 hectares or 224 square miles, making it the largest Metropolitan Borough in the country (Doncaster Planners 1993).

GEOLOGY AND SOIL TYPES

The soil types throughout the Borough vary enormously, ranging from heavy loams and clays over the coal fields to the west, through to clays over limestone, carr land through the sand land and the peat lands to the east of the Borough (see Appendix 1). Consequently, because of the variation of soils and the geographical location, the borough has a rich and diverse tree population. The tree species which are to be found range from beech (Fagus) to bananas (Musa), sweet chestnut (Castanea) to swamp cypress (Taxodium) and pine (Pinus) to palms (Trachycarpus). In addition, there are hundreds of woodlands, plantations, copses and shelter belts, which include semi-natural ancient woodland, through to deciduous, coniferous and mixed plantations.

South Yorkshire has approximately 7.2% woodland cover (1995 Forestry Commission survey estimate). Sadly, the vast majority of woodlands in the Doncaster region and beyond are in a state of neglect.

Although a vast array of trees are to be found, newly planted trees can be notoriously difficult to get established. One of the reasons for failure during this critical establishment period is due to the moderate annual mean rainfall for this region.

HYDROLOGY OF THE BOROUGH

The annual rainfall figures taken at Finningley, near Doncaster between 1944 and 1992 show a minimum of 375mm in 1959 and a maximum of 800mm in 1969 (see Appendix 2). In 1992 the weather station at Finningley was closed down and all figures are now obtained from the Leeds Meteorological Office, the rainfall reading being taken at Sheffield. In 1997 the annual rainfall figures given were 720.4mm. Therefore when considering planting trees it is advisable to choose specimens which are no larger than “Selected” Standard size (10—12cm girth at 1.5m from ground level) as they require a shorter period of aftercare in respect of watering. Although the Council routinely plant much larger trees e.g. extra heavy standard and container grown semi-mature trees, they require a watering programme as part of their aftercare, for several years.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A NOTABLE OR VENERABLE TREE

In the context of this short document a variable base line has been used which is dependant on the species of the tree. For instance, a willow tree of approximately 150-200 years old would represent an ancient tree for its species. However, a yew of the same age would still be classed as quite young. Therefore, trees which are considered to be of great age for their species, trees which are rare, and choice trees of high visual amenity have been included. In addition, some notable trees which once existed within the Doncaster area have been included to give further interest.

ESTIMATED AGE OF TREES

It is generally accepted that an estimate as to the age of most mature broad-leaved and coniferous trees can be calculated by measuring the circumference of the tree trunk and allowing 2.5cm (1 inch) per year of growth (Mitchell & Wilkinson 88, p.16). However, there are many pitfalls to this method e.g. tree growth may be affected by the nature of the soil e.g. sands, clays, loams, their alkalinity, acidity and nutrient content and availability. Yew trees, for example, are notoriously difficult to put an accurate age to. Some yews may appear to be growing from one trunk when in fact they are multistemmed. ‘Externally there may be no obvious indication of the nature of the compound trunk` (Baxter 92,p.28). In addition, mature yews can grow so slowly that the annual growth increment cannot always be detected by the naked eye when examining core samples or cross sections of fallen trees.

METHODOLOGY

Each tree on the list has been visited, inspected, and, in most cases photographed. The survey was undertaken from October 1999 to October 2000. The inspections included taking accurate measurements of trunk girths at 1.5 metres from ground level unless otherwise stated. The branch spread measurement given is approximate, being `paced out` across one direction, although it should be remembered that most trees do not have a round canopy. The height of most trees was achieved using a clinometer. However, in some instances the height has been estimated, and this is shown as `approximate height` in each case. A brief description of each tree is included, and, in most cases a photograph provides a visual record.

Whilst the statistics of each tree are given in the text, a separate record is given in tabulated form for ease of reference and perusal in Appendix 3. In addition, a plan of the parishes referred to in the text can be seen in Appendix 4, so let us now go on a non-stop tour round the borough on a “Tree for All”.

THE LIST OF

NOTABLE AND

VENERABLE TREES

HYBRID BLACK POPLAR (Populus nigra sp) Mexborough Parish

This huge tree towers above all the other trees surrounding it on the open derelict land (formerly Carr Land) between Mexborough and Old Denaby.

It has a trunk girth of 4.37 metres (14ft 4in) a branch spread of 18 metres and a height of 26 metres. It is probably the tallest broad leaved trees in the Borough. (The tallest conifer is a Sequoiadendron gigantium at Rossington Hall). The timber from poplar tree was once used in large quantities for making matches. It is also used to make veneers and fruit boxes.

COMMON BEECH (Fagus sylvatica) High Melton Parish

Ornamental trees abound at High Melton College, the grounds of which once formed the parks and gardens of the former High Melton Hall. Unusual trees such as the “Cut-Leaved Walnut” (Juglans regia ‘Laciniata’) and the infrequently found “Wingnut” (Pterocarya fraxinifolia) are to be found. However, the giants on the site are the beech trees. The largest on the site (and one of the largest in the borough) is this gigantic beech which towers to a lofty 24 metres.

It has a trunk girth of 5.125 metres (17ft 1in) and a branch spread of 22 metres. Close by is another example with a trunk girth of 4.58 metres (15ft ½in) and across the playing field at the lower end of the avenue is a stout beech with a trunk girth of 4.97 metres (16ft 3¾in). All three beech trees referred to will be in the region of 200 years old.

YEW (Taxus baccata) High Melton Parish

Large old yew trees are normally found in churchyards and other ecclesiastical sites. However, this large specimen in High Melton village is located in a private garden.

It is probably one of the most important yew trees in the Doncaster Borough, given its size and location. It has a trunk girth of 3.91 metres (12ft 10in), a branch spread of 9 metres and a height of 14 metres.

The trunk is not hollow, however, there are signs of some decay at ground level, and approximately 3 metres from the ground a fruiting body of Laetiporus sulphureus (‘Chicken of the Woods’) can be seen. Despite this, given the species of tree, it is likely to continue thriving for a long time to come. “Most Yew trees are hollow at 400 years and almost all at 700 years” (Baxter 92 p.260). This particular specimen is several centuries old, but not more than 600 years.

In the nineteenth century the eminent botanist, John Louden, recorded an impressive list of yew trees in his monumental work ‘Arboretum Et Fruiticetum Britanicum’, (Trees and Shrubs of Britain) 1838. Amongst this list is a yew tree growing at Sprotbrough Hall near Doncaster. This tree was recorded as having a trunk girth of 15ft 6in, a branch spread of 63ft and a height of 34ft. (Louden, 38 p.2092). “Clearly this tree was of great age and stature, being larger than any surviving yew in the Doncaster Borough”(Howes 98 p.16). No real evidence of the tree can be found today and its fate remains a mystery. However, it is believed that the former location of this Yew tree lies just to the South of Park Drive, where a small group of Yew trees can be seen.

The Yew tree in High Melton village referred to in the text

Other notable Yews may be found at:

Hall Primary School, Edenthorpe Kirk Bramwith Churchyard Melton Wood Owston Hall Wilsic Hall

WHITEBEAM - Sorbus (Aria Section) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

This fully mature ornamental whitebeam would have been planted at the turn of the last century 1890/1900 as part of the landscaped grounds to Sprotbrough Hall.

This fine specimen situated on Park Drive, has a trunk girth of 2.46 metres, (8ft ¾in) a branch spread of 12 metres and a height of 14 metres.

The only visible defect is a cavity on one of the lower branches. This large branch may require some pruning to reduce its end loading dependant on the extent of decay in the cavity. A climbing inspection would determine this.

BROADLEAF (Griselinia littoralis) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

The Griselinia sometimes called “Broadleaf”, is native of New Zealand, Chile and SE Brazil. They are evergreen, and usually found as a shrub particularly at seaside locations due to their tolerance of maritime exposure.

This particular specimen however is a small tree measuring 4.5 metres high and 4.5 metres branch spread. The trunk is 0.75 metre (2ft 5½in) girth. Being situated in a private front garden on Park Drive, Sprotbrough, it complements the visual amenity of the street scene. The owner informed the Council that he planted it in 1966 making it at least 34 years old.

SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

This majestic tree is situated in the grounds of the Methodist Church, Sprotbrough. It forms an eye catching amenity feature being situated close to the highway.

It is a huge specimen and still quite healthy, with no obvious signs of die- back in the crown. However, some decay is evident in one lower bough. There are three small elder (Sambucus nigra) growing in the lower branch crotches 3 metres above ground level. It is approximately 22 metres in height with a trunk girth of 5.265 metres (17ft 3¼in). It has a branch spread of 23 metres.

Sycamore trees can live for centuries, and estimates vary a great deal. For instance (Harris et al 88) gives an age of about 200 years, whilst (Mitchell and Wilkinson 88 p.16) state a figure of 400 years plus. Given the girth of this tree it is certainly well over two hundred years old.

Traditionally the sycamore has provided excellent timber which is used for all kinds of furniture making, kitchen utensils and musical instruments. The sycamore also makes a fine amenity tree where space permits, and it will tolerate high levels of atmospheric pollution.

For many years it was regarded as being of little value to wildlife. However, following much research it is recognised today for its importance to wildlife as the abundant seeds provide winter food for birds. In addition, there are 44 insect species associated with sycamore trees. (Harris 87).

TURKEY OAK (Quercus cerris) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

The Turkey Oak is one of the fastest growing of all the oak trees in Britain. This particular tree is an excellent specimen growing in the small Public Open Space off Riverside Drive, Sprotbrough. It would be planted as part of the landscaped parkland to Sprotbrough Hall, and is approximately 150 years old.

It has a trunk girth of 3.95 metres (12ft 11½in), a height of 18.7 metres and a branch spread of 21 metres.

The Turkey Oak was introduced to Britain in 1735, and is native to Southern Europe and Asia Minor. Traditionally its timber was only used for indoor purposes such as wall panelling, and was most unsuitable for outdoor objects as it easily warped.

WELLINGTONIA (Sequoiadendron giganteum) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

The Wellingtonia is native to California and may live for thousands of years. One fully authenticated specimen has been recorded at about 3,200 years. They were introduced to Britain in 1853, and subsequently planted in parks and country estates. There are several specimens to be found in the Doncaster region, e.g. Cantley Hall, Owston Hall, Cusworth Hall, Rossington Hall, Wilsic Hall, Brodsworth Hall, Campsall Park and the former grounds of Sprotbrough Hall and Melton Hall.

However, they are occasionally found in small private gardens, and this particular specimen could not be in a smaller garden as it only measures 100m²! It is located in front of the Boat Inn, Sprotbrough and has a trunk girth of 3.4m (11ft 2in), a height of 22.3 metres and a branch spread of 8 metres.

It is a similar size to the Wellingtonias off Park Drive, Sprotbrough which were planted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee in 1897. One should bear in mind that this tree is still quite young for its species and is likely to be no more than 110 years old. It may have been planted in the same celebratory year (1897) as the Boat Inn formed part of the Sprotbrough Hall estate.

As a comparison in sizes, the largest living thing on earth by volume is a Wellingtonia in California called the “General Sherman”. It has a trunk girth of 25 metres (82ft) and is 84 metres in height (275ft).

COMMON MULBERRY (Morus nigra) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

Mulberry Close in Cusworth village is so named because of this old mulberry tree, which is still growing within a rear garden at the Close.

This particular tree has been crown reduced on several occasions. Nevertheless it is still a fine tree.

Its rugged gnarled trunk with a girth of 2.58 metres (8ft 5½in) can be deceptive, as several old mulberry trees can look very ancient indeed, when in fact they are still quite young. This particular specimen, being a remnant of the formerly well-managed landscaped grounds of Cusworth Hall is likely to be about 100 - 120 years old. It has a branch spread of 5 metres and a height of 7 metres.

The common mulberry is native to Western Asia and was introduced to Britain in the 16th century. They were once planted in prison exercise yards. The rhyme “Here we go round the mulberryLOQUAT bush” (Eriobotrya is said to japonica)originate from the routine of walking round the tree.

Silkworms feed on mulberry leaves, but, contrary to popular belief, they eat the leaves of White Mulberry (Morus alba) and not the nigra species. Another very large old mulberry still exists within a private rear garden off Park Drive, Sprotbrough which once formed an integral part of the Sprotbrough Hall grounds. Unfortunately this tree was struck by lightening in the late 1990s. The tree was inspected about eight years ago and it is considered that it may be the largest mulberry tree in the Doncaster Borough. Today the trunk is laying horizontally but secured at its base, the remaining trunk and branches measure 5 metres in total. There are several young shoots now becoming established, and it is likely to flourish for many years to come. It is certainly in excess of 100 years old.

LOQUAT (Eriobotrya japonica) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

This small evergreen tree is native to China and Japan. It is normally seen as a shrub in Britain and grown against a wall. However, this one is growing in a front garden on Sprotbrough Road, Doncaster.

It has large corrugated leathery leaves which can grow up to 0.3 metres long. This species was introduced to Britain in 1787, and produces edible pear-shaped fruits.

A height and branch spread of 4.5 metres and a stem girth of 45cm makes this splendid healthy tree quite unusual for the area.

STRAWBERRY TREE (Arbutus x andrachnoides) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

There are many “Strawberry Trees” of various species to be found in the borough. This fine example can be found in Cusworth Hall grounds, with its cinnamon coloured bark and evergreen foliage. This is a hybrid between the “Killarney Strawberry tree” (A.unedo) and the “Grecian Strawberry tree” (A. andrachne). Unfortunately there is some decay in the main trunk at ground level, but a small trunk growing beside it is in a good healthy condition.

The main trunk has a girth of 1.36 metres (4ft 5½in) and the smaller trunk is 0.825 metres (2ft 8½in). It is approximately 8 metres in height with a similar branch spread.

On the frontage of the Manor House, Cusworth, is another specimen which is in a very prominent position. This has two main stems, each is 0.91 metres (3 ft) in girth and approximately 7 metres in height.

Examples of the Killarney and Grecian Strawberry trees may be seen in the grounds of Brodsworth Hall.

One very unusual feature of the Strawberry Tree is that although being in the Ericaceae family, it will tolerate alkaline soil conditions, unlike others in the same family which require acid conditions.

Strawberry Tree at Cusworth Hall

Strawberry Tree at the Manor House, Cusworth

SMALL LEAVED LIME (Tilia cordata) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

Situated within the front garden of the Manor House, Main Street, Sprotbrough is this fully mature small leaved lime tree. It may not be a true native, but rather a hybrid or unnamed variety.

One large bough extends only 0.5 metres from ground level on the short bole. It is not possible to measure the trunk girth accurately, but it is approximately 4.27 metres (14ft). It has a branch spread of 20 metres and a height of 17 metres.

SWEET CHESTNUT (Castanea sativa) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

The “Sweet Chestnut” or “Spanish Chestnut” is a valuable timber tree which has become naturalised in Britain. It is thought that they were introduced by the Romans.

There are several large specimens throughout the Borough, particularly in woodlands. The specimen featured here though is in the public open space on Fairfield Manor, Sprotbrough.

It has a trunk girth of 3.75 metres (12ft 3½in), a branch spread of 16 metres and a height of 18 metres.

FIELD MAPLE (Acer campestre) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

Situated midway between Sprotbrough and Cusworth close to the public footpath which passes under the A1(M) road bridge is this large field maple.

It is probably the largest of its kind in the Borough, and in fact, many people looking at the tree think it is an oak. Council Officers have, on occasions, had to convince hikers, and even the farmer, that it is in fact a large field maple.

It has a trunk girth of 2.51 metres (8ft 3in), a branch spread of 11 metres and a height of 16 metres.

TREE OF HEAVEN (Ailanthus altissima) Sprotbrough/Cusworth Parish

Situated within a front garden on Melton Road, Sprotbrough, close to the A1(M) road bridge, stands this Tree of Heaven. It is one of the larger, privately owned examples known in the Borough, although they can grow much larger. This example has a trunk girth of 1.97 metres (6ft 5 ½ in), a branch spread of 11.5 metres and a height of approximately 10.5 metres.

COMMON MULBERRY (Morus nigra) Marr Parish

This fine old mulberry is situated in the garden of Marr Hall farm house. Its large branches are manacled by iron bars to prevent them from splitting at their base. It is because of this low level branching that the trunk girth was measured at 0.75 metre from ground level. It has a girth of 1.6 metres (5ft 3in), and a height and branch spread of 6 x 6 metres. It has been producing a crop of mulberries for over a century.

BEECH (Fagus sylvatica) Hickleton Parish

Among the many fine trees at the Sue Ryder Home, Hickleton Hall and adjacent parkland, five specimens have been listed. One is this huge beech tree situated adjacent to the main entrance of the hall itself. It is only equalled in stature by a similar beech tree in the grounds of High Melton College.

It has a trunk girth of 5.45 metres (17ft 1½in), a branch spread of 22 metres and a height of approximately 24 metres. An estimate of its age would be a little over 200 years.

LUCOMBE OAK (Quercus x hispanica ‘Lucombeana’) Hickleton Parish

Quercus x hispanica is a hybrid between the cork oak (Q. suber) and the turkey oak (Q. cerris).

‘Lucombeana’ is a cultivar which was raised by Mr Lucombe in his nursery in Exeter about 1762. ‘Lucombeana’ became a very popular ornamental tree to plant in large parks and gardens throughout the nineteenth century, and many fine specimens may be found today.

This excellent example is located on the rear lawn of Hickleton Hall, and has a trunk girth of 3.97 metres, (13ft ¼in), a height of 21.5 metres and a branch spread of 15.5 metres. It was probably planted between 1850-1860.

TULIP TREE (Liriodendron tulipifera) Hickleton Parish

There are some good quality “Tulip Trees” dotted around the Borough, this being one of the largest. It has a trunk girth of 2.91 metres (9ft 6 ¾in), a branch spread of 10 metres and a height of 19.5 metres.

It is located on the rear lawned area of Hickleton Hall, and it is in good condition. However, on the opposite side of the main path is another rather poor specimen, probably planted at the same time, about 110 - 120 years ago.

Other good quality Tulip Trees may be found at Woodgarth Court, Campsall.

MAIDENHAIR TREE (Ginkgo biloba) Hickleton Parish

The Ginkgo’s which grow today are called ‘living fossils’ because 160 million years ago they grew wild in Britain and many other regions of the world.

Several young specimens may be found in the Doncaster area including the fastigiate forms. This specimen situated in the rear lawned gardens at Hickleton Hall is probably the largest and oldest in the Borough. It has a trunk girth of 1.72 metres (5ft 7¾in), a branch spread of 6 metres and a height of 16.7 metres. To ensure the long term retention of the existing landscape scheme replacements have been planted near by. This specimen is still in good condition for its estimated 70 years.

COMMON HAWTHORN (Crataegus monogyna) Hickleton Parish

In the Hickleton parkland to the south of the hall are several mature trees. Amongst them are some fine Hawthorn trees. This particular specimen has a trunk girth of 2.42 metres (7ft 11 ¼in) measured at 0.5 metres from ground level, a height of 10 metres and a branch spread of 12 metres. Rarely do you find large mature Hawthorn trees in such good, sound condition. Its estimated age is 100 - 120 years.

CEDAR OF LEBANON (Cedrus libani) Brodsworth Parish

The Cedar of Lebanon, a native of Asia Minor and Syria, is thought to have been introduced into England before 1650.

This particularly fine specimen is prominently located on the front lawn of Brodsworth Hall.

The trunk girth was measured 0.5 metres from ground level due to the low branches. Its girth is 5.72 metres (18ft 9¼in), it has a height of 18.7 metres and branch spread of 24 metres. The planting date is not known, however, it is likely to be around 150 - 180 years old.

Another particularly large specimen can also be seen at Burghwallis Hall.

MONKEY PUZZLE (Araucaria araucana) Brodsworth Parish

The Monkey Puzzle or Chile Pine was introduced to Britain by Archibald Menzies in 1795 from its native Chile and Argentina. Millions of years ago it grew wild in what is now Britain, and in fact the “Whitby Jet” used to make jewellery and other objects for the tourist trade, is the fossilised wood of Monkey Puzzle trees.

There are several specimens throughout the borough, however, the largest to be found may well be the two specimens in the formal gardens of Brodsworth Hall. The female tree (on the left, looking from the hall) has a trunk girth of 1.995 metres (6ft 6½in), a height of 14.3 metres and a branch spread of 6.5 metres. The male tree has a trunk girth of 1.64 metres (5ft 4½in), a height of 15 metres and a branch spread of 5.5 metres. Viable seed from these specimens has been sent to the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, who have successfully propagated the seed and distributed them to various locations including their native Chile. The Monkey Puzzle timber made good railway sleepers in their native country due to their high resin content. As a consequence much of their native stock was severely depleted, but is now recovering.

Several people believe that the age of these trees can easily be determined by counting the whorls along the trunk (seen as knots). However, this is a complete fallacy, and in fact each whorl may represent two to three years or more. A photograph of the hall gardens dated 1890 (which may be seen at the hall) shows the Monkey Puzzles as young trees which were planted in the 1870’s.

A large Monkey Puzzle tree may be seen on Tenter Lane, at the junction of Tenter Road, Warmsworth which was planted by the owner in 1924.

SEE PHOTOGRAPHS OVERLEAF SHOWING THE BRODSWORTH HALL TREES AS THEY ARE TODAY

COMMON ASH (Fraxinus excelsior) Skelbrooke Parish

Although there are countless ash trees in the Borough, there are few outstanding examples. This is partly due to changes in agricultural practices, changes in land use e.g. development and the prevalent decay fungus “Ash Heart Rot” (Inonotus sp). One ash tree to escape the rigours of the twentieth century is this specimen which was planted as a focal point on the frontage to Skelbrooke Hall.

Although a small amount of decay can be seen on one bough the rest of this tree is in good condition.

It has a trunk girth of 4.295 metres (14ft 1¼in), a height of 21 metres and a branch spread of 20 metres. It would have been planted in the mid-nineteenth century given its stature, and is one of the largest ash trees found in the Borough.

SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus) Skelbrooke Parish

Among the several fine trees within the grounds of Skelbrooke Hall is this excellent sycamore. It has a trunk girth of 3.71 metres (12ft 2in), a height of 22 metres and a branch spread of 20 metres.

This tree would probably have been planted in the mid nineteenth century similar to the ash tree previously referred to.

CRACK WILLOW (Salix fragilis) Skelbrooke Parish

The historic osier beds in the village of Skelbrooke have long gone, though today Crack Willow still grow on either side of Bannister Lane and the River Skel. Crack Willow were traditionally ‘Pollarded’ whereas the osiers were ‘coppiced’.

The willow trees which grow on the banks of the tiny River Skel have grown to huge proportions and this particular specimen is a leviathan. It has a height of 24 metres, a trunk girth of 5.94 metres (19ft 6in) and a branch spread of 18 metres. The tallest willow ever recorded in Britain measured 32 metres.

Therefore, this particular specimen is noteworthy. This tree will be pollarded in the near future in the interests of safety and to ensure the long term retention of the main stems. If it is left unmanaged, major splitting of the stems will undoubtedly occur resulting in the loss of the whole tree and possibly causing injury or property damage at the same time.

BROADLEAVED LIME (Tilia platyphyllos) Skelbrooke Parish

There are two species of Lime native to Britain, the Small Leaved Lime (T. cordata) and the Broad Leaved, which has a natural range up to South Yorkshire and the Welsh Boarders. However, it is likely that this tree is a hybrid or unnamed variety.

This specimen, which is at least 200 years old is located about 100m north of Skelbrooke Church on private land. It has a 1 metre high single trunk which is then twin stemmed for the remainder of its 23 metre height. The individual trunk girths measure 3.9 metres (12ft 9 ½in) and 3.15 metres (10ft 4in). The single trunk measured at 0.5 metres from ground level measures 5.98 metres (19ft 7 ½in). The branch spread is 17 metres. The top has broken out of this tree, which was much taller in its prime. One bough, which was several metres long, was laid on the ground at the time of the inspection which had recently crashed out of the tree top.

The tree has several large cavities, woodpecker holes, nooks and crannies, thereby supporting a whole host of creatures. This tree encapsulates the whole essence of notable and venerable trees and typifies the quality of trees which grow in this part of the Borough.

Photograph taken circa 1890 The Tree in 2000

CRACK WILLIOW (Salix fragilis) Norton Parish

Pollarded willow trees were once a feature of the Norton landscape. Today only a few specimens remain. This particular tree situated in a private rear garden is of considerable age, the trunk has been split open for many years and gives the appearance of being multi stemmed. However this is not the case and the huge bole measures 6.5 metres (21ft 3 ¾in) in girth, measured at 1.3 metres above ground level, the old pollard stumps on this tree have been maintained at a height of 2.4 metres above ground level.

Old pollards and other ancient trees are exceptionally valuable as wildlife habitats, and have sustained populations of specialised deadwood invertebrates which have died out elsewhere. (Lonsdale 99 p.285).

The trunk of this tree is likely to be well in excess of 100 years old, and may be up to 150 years old.

COMMON HORNBEAM (Carpinus betulus) Norton Parish

Possibly the largest Hornbeam in the borough is this one located in the woodland to the rear of The Old Bell Public House, Campsall. This site once formed the grounds and parkland to Campsall Hall. It is approximately 19 metres in height with a branch spread of 16 metres. The trunk has a girth of 3.85 metres (10ft 1½in).

The Hornbeam timber is very hard, hence its name. (Beam in old English means a tree). The timber was, and still is, used for making charcoal. It is also used for making mallets, skittles and chopping blocks.

CUCUMBER TREE (Magnolia acuminata) Owston Parish

The Cucumber Tree was introduced in 1736 from E United States and SE Canada. Its name refers to the shape and colour of the young fruit clusters which are green and about 7.5cm (3in) long.

This quite young tree in the grounds of Owston Hall is capable of growing much larger than its 7.5 metre height as they can grow to 30 metres.

It has a trunk girth of 1.195 metres (3ft 11in) and a branch spread of 6.5 metres. It is approximately 40 to 60 years old.

Another specimen may be found in St Catherine’s Hospital grounds, Balby, close to the original house.

WEEPING BEECH (Fagus sylvatica ‘Pendula’) Owston Parish

These spectacularly ornamental trees can be seen at several locations throughout the Borough. This one is in the old arboretum at Owston Hall. They can take on various forms. This particular specimen has a typical weeping habit with branches trailing down. It has a trunk girth of 2.83 metres (9ft 3½in), a height of 18 metres and a branch spread of 18 metres.

A totally different form with almost horizontal branches can been seen off The Grove, Barnby Dun. The boughs of the tree spread over two front gardens of residential properties.

COMMON YEW (Taxus baccata) Owston Parish

This yew tree is situated within the old arboreteum at Owston Hall. Like most yews, it is multistemmed, although giving the appearance of a single stem. It has a girth of 3.48 metres (11ft 5in), a height of 15 metres and a branch spread of 16.5 metres. A similar yew which is windblown is growing approximately 8 metres away from this specimen.

TURKISH HAZEL (Corylus colurna) Owston Parish

The “Turkish Hazel” has not been widely planted in this region until recently, and this is probably the only mature example in the borough. Some young specimens have now been planted as they are widely available and more popular than before.

The Turkish Hazel was introduced into Britain as long ago as 1582 from SE Europe and W Asia.

The specimen included here is at Owston Hall near the walls of the old kitchen garden. It is an over mature specimen with considerable decay. It has a trunk girth of 2.64 metres (8ft 8in), a branch spread of 16 metres and a height of 13 metres.

LUCOMBE OAK (Quercus x hispanica ‘Lucombeana’) Owston Parish

This mature example is located adjacent to the main entrance of Owston Hall. It is one of several on the Owston Estate which still survive today. In former times it appears that there was an impressive collection of oak trees at Owston Hall. During a recent visit there, an elderly gentleman was tidying up around some trees in the old arboretum (who had worked much of his life on the estate.) He said he could remember a Cork Oak (Q. suber) which blew down about 50 years ago.

The Lucombe Oak at the main entrance has a trunk girth of 2.66 metres (8ft 8¾in), a branch spread of 16 metres and a height of 17.5 metres.

SWAMP CYPRESS (Taxodium distichum) Owston Parish

The “Swamp Cypress” was introduced into Britain by John Tradescant about 1640. It is native to the swamps of S United States, and is known there as the “Bald Cypress”.

This example is located on the 9 hole golf course at Owston Hall near the village churchyard. It has a trunk girth of 2.18 metres (7ft 1¾in), a narrow branch spread of 4.5 metres and a height of 17.5 metres. It is in good condition and is approximately 75 to 95 years old.

OAK LEAVED ALDER (Alnus glutinosa ‘Quercifolia’) Owston Parish

This rare tree is located close to the Swamp Cypress on Owston golf course. It was identified by Alan Mitchell on his visit to the hall in the late 1960s.

It is a fine mature tree with a trunk girth of 2.115 metres (6ft 11¼in), a branch spread of 11.5 metres and a height of just under 16 metres.

Both this tree and the swamp cypress are visible from the churchyard.

LUCOMBE OAK (Quercus x hispanica sp) Owston Parish

These hybrid oaks are very variable and this specimen is unlike other hybrid oaks in the vicinity. It is situated on the junction with the A19 and the B1220 at Owston.

Some root damage has occurred due to ground cultivations, however, it still appears to be healthy. It has a trunk girth of 2.45 metres (8ft ½ in), a branch spread of 15 metres and a height of 12.5 metres.

FIELD MAPLE (Acer campestre) Adwick Parish

Situated close to the B1220 road at Owston and the entrance to West Farm, is this large Field Maple. Sadly, this grand old tree has been severely damaged by the farmer. It is a hollow tree with several cavities, and its roots are now severed and exposed due to deep ground cultivations close to the trunk. The field was formerly old pasture land.

It has a trunk girth of 2.31 metres (7ft 7in), a branch spread of 10 metres and a height of 11.5 metres. This particular tree is a haven for wildlife and may be home to bats and owls.

HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum) Bentley with Arksey Parish

The Horse Chestnut was introduced to Britain in the early 17th century and originates from the border regions of Greece and Albania. It is one of the most impressive large flowering trees in Britain with its candle-like flowers in May.

There are several fine specimen Horse Chestnut trees in the borough, this one being at Arksey in the old school playing field, (now a Youth Club). It has a trunk girth of 3.85 metres (12ft 7½in), a branch spread of 20 metres and a height of 20 metres.

The timber was once used to make artificial limbs because it was light and easily shaped. ‘Conkers’, the seed of the Horse Chestnut, has been used since the 18th century by schoolboys to play the ancient game of ‘Conqueror’. Prior to the use of conkers, they used cobnuts or even snail shells.

COMMON ASH (Fraxinus excelsior) Bentley with Arksey Parish

Amongst the few large Ash trees to be found in the Borough is this one at Arksey Hall (now a nursing home). Unfortunately this tree is showing some signs of decay, but was not considered to be in a dangerous condition by any means when inspected recently.

The trunk has a girth of 3.72 metres (12ft 2½), a branch spread of 15 metres and a height of 24 metres. Ash timber is quite valuable and is used for making such products as tool handles, oars, skis and hockey sticks.

The tree at Arksey is approximately 140 to 160 years old.

COMMON LIME (Tilia x europaea) Barnby Dun Parish

On the public open space adjacent to Bramwith Road, Barnby Dun, stands this good example of a common lime. They are widely distributed throughout the borough. A feature of these trees is the dense masses of growth which encapsulate the trunk, usually a few metres from ground level. They provide an important wildlife habitat and are host to many species of wild animals and birds. It has a trunk girth of 2.69 metres (8ft 10in), a branch spread of 15 metres and a height of 21 metres. This tree will be over 100 years old.

WYCH ELM (Ulmus glabra) Barnby Dun Parish

Elm trees were once a dominant feature in the English landscape, and no more so than in the Doncaster area. The vast majority of the large mature Elms have succumbed to Dutch Elm Disease, which was prevalent in the 1970s and 1980s. The more aggressive strain of the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi being particularly devastating. The Wych Elm is the only native elm species to Britain. Fortunately, this large Wych Elm can still be found at Kirk Sandall between Moor Lane and Sandall Lane.

This particular specimen is one of the largest remaining elms in the Borough. It has a trunk girth of 3.07 metres (10ft 1in) with a branch spread and height of 19 x 19 metres. Its age is estimated to be 110 to 120 years old.

A similar large Wych Elm once grew on the northern boundary of Springwell Farm, Adwick on Dearne, and was felled about 1960. Another very prominent landscape feature, was the avenue of English Elms between Cadeby and Sprotbrough. These were felled due to Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970s to early 1990s.

COMMON SYCAMORE (Acer pseudoplatanus) Barnby Dun Parish

In Barnby Dun churchyard this impressive sycamore can be seen. It has a trunk girth of 4.775 metres (15 ft 8in), a height of 22 metres and a branch spread of 27 metres.

It is believed that the trunk would have been two originally, which have fused together (coalesced) a long time ago when the tree was quite young. Even so, given the girth of the trunk, it is likely to be approaching 200 years old.

The Common Sycamore requires space to grow and they were often planted to provide shade for livestock on field boundaries close to farms, particularly in the dales. They are also found close to the dairy on hill farms to help keep the milk cool by providing dense shade during the summer months.

YEW (Taxus baccata) Moss Parish

Among the splendid trees situated in Kirk Bramwith churchyard is this venerable Yew tree. Almost 50% of the trunk girth and most of the heartwood is missing, due to centuries of decay. Nevertheless the remaining trunk still supports a substantial healthy branch frame.

This is a classic example which illustrates the immense tensile strength of Yew wood. The dimensions are:- original trunk girth approx 3 metres (10 ft), a height of 11.5 metres and a branch spread of 10 metres. This tree is estimated to be at least 600 years old.

A yew tree of similar proportions grew in Edlington Woods, but unfortunately it blew down during the gales of Christmas 1997.

Photograph showing decayed trunk of the Kirk Bramwith Yew

HIGHCLERE HOLLY (Ilex x altaclarensis) Moss Parish

Kirk Bramwith Churchyard has one of the oldest trees in the Borough i.e. the Yew tree previously mentioned, and also one of the finest displays of snowdrops! Can it also boast having the largest holly in the Borough?

This exceptional example of a hybrid holly (possibly ‘Hodginsii’) has a trunk girth of 1.72 metres (5ft 7¾in), a branch spread of 8 metres and a height of 16 metres. It would probably have been planted in the 1940s.