The trees
There are many species of trees in the grounds of Coombe Abbey Park. Below, are some of the more notable specimens that can be found in the park.
Horse Chestnut – (Aesculus hippocastanum)
These non-native trees line the drive at Coombe Abbey Park. They were first introduced to the UK from Turkey in the 16th Century. They can live up to 300 years and up to 40m tall. They are commonly found in parks and gardens but are rarely found in woodlands. The timber is not very strong but can be used for carving. When the leaves fall off, the stalk leaves a horse-shoe shaped scar which is thought to be how it got its name. The horse chestnut is famous for its seeds; conkers, with the first recorded game of conkers being in the Isle of Wight in 1848.
Common Lime – (Tilia x europaea)
Accompanying the Horse Chestnuts down the drive are Common Limes. These trees are native to this country and tolerant to a range of conditions. They can be identified by their heart-shaped, dark green leaves and can grow up to 40m tall. The timber is soft and light and therefore ideal for carving and furniture. The bark is traditionally used to make rope. Aphids are particularly attracted to the sticky ‘dew’ that the tree creates.
Amongst the Common Limes you will also find some Silver Limes which are identified by the silver underside to their leaves.
Sweet Chestnut – (Castanea sativa)
This non-native tree can live up to 700 years and grow up to 35m tall. They will only start to bear fruit once they are around 25 years old. During the spring they produce long yellow catkins. The seeds can be easily identified by a very spiky green case which contains 4 small seeds inside which are edible to humans. It is thought to have been introduced by the Romans and is native to Southern Europe and North Africa. Its timber is similar to that of the oak tree but is lighter and easier to work with, being used for carpentry. Sweet Chestnuts can be found on the path down to the Coombe Pool from the Visitor Centre. and around the children’s play area.
Cedar of Lebanon – (Cedrus libani)
These grand looking trees are native to Lebanon and can grow up to 35m tall. As an evergreen conifer, it was commonly planted in parks and gardens of large estates like Coombe and seen as a status symbol by those who owned one; nearly every stately home had one planted from the 1740s onwards. Its timber is durable so therefore is used for furniture and buildings. The tree provides a brilliant habitat for a wide range of invertebrates as well as mammals and birds who will nest in the deep cracks and crevices that appear as the tree ages. It can take up to 12 months after pollination for the female flowers to develop into mature cones and they are only produced every other year. There are a number of Cedar of Lebanon trees in the park but this one can be found in the Deer Park.
Black Walnut – (Juglans nigra)
These non-native large, broadleaved trees can reach up to 40m high and get their name from their dark bark. Native to North America, the Black Walnut was introduced to Europe in 1629. The roots contain a chemical that can inhibit the growth of surrounding plants. The flowers appear in late spring and early summer and after pollination, develop into brownish plum like fruits. These fleshy husks contain the brown walnut inside. Black Walnuts can be found lining the hedgerow running alongside the moat.
Western Red Cedar – (Thuja plicata)
This non-native conical-shaped tree can grow up to 65m tall and some specimens can live for over 1000 years. They are native to North America and were generally planted in Britain in gardens or to be used for timber. The timber is highly sought after as it is thought to be one of the most durable timbers in the world. Here at Coombe, we affectionately call the tree the ‘Opal Fruit ‘tree (or Starburst, depending on how old you are!), as when you crush the foliage between your fingers you get the lovely sweet smell of these classic sweets! This specimen (see photo) can be found in the Formal Gardens.
Giant Redwood - (Sequoiadendron gigantium)
These magnificent non-native trees, situated mainly in the Formal Gardens and Arboretum, were introduced to the park by the Countess of Craven who, it is believed, was missing her native home of America. The trees have a hairy or furry bark. The first seeds of these Californian natives were brought into the country by William Lobb in 1852 and due to their expense quickly became a status symbol of the wealthy.
The timber is highly resistant to decay but is also unsuitable for use for construction as its timber is fibrous and brittle.
