Archive for June 2011

Elms for the Future

June 2011

Many of us regret the loss of the great Elm trees that were such a part of our landscape but sadly disappeared in the 70s. Whilst Elm saplings are still widespread, they all succumb to the disease when they reach about 20 feet and never mature. However, in a few places round the country a few great Elms survive as reminders of what has gone. Are these survivors a disease-resistant strain?

Friends of Quantock are taking part in an interesting experiment that could have far-reaching implications for our landscape. Seeds from the surviving trees have been collected and grown on.  We have taken delivery of 11 of these young trees – they are tiny and will be kept in a vegetable garden before being planted out properly this autumn.  We will monitor them carefully to see whether they really are a different strain, but it will be some years before we shall know. Perhaps our grandchildren will once again enjoy the great Elms of the past.

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