Port Sunlight replants elm trees for first time since 1970s disease epidemic

Nov 19 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

PORT Sunlight is preserving its village heritage - by embarking on a massive programme of tree planting.

And last week the historic village became the first area of Wirral to replant elms since the outbreak of Dutch Elm Disease in the 1970s, which wiped out almost 1,000 of its trees.

Andy Church, Port Sunlight Village Trust’s landscape manager, said: “Trees have always been an important part of the Port Sunlight landscape and, as the site was was originally marshland, extensive tree-lined avenues were planted with Wheatly and Wych Elms to help to dry out the land.

“Unfortunately, in 1976 Dutch Elm Disease broke out in the village and the arrival of the disease had a devastating effect, with over 990 mature elm trees being lost in the subsequent six years.”

As this disease wiped out the majority of the trees within the village, a replanting programme was implemented and between 1978 and 1988 more than 1,800 new trees were planted.

However, this replanting could not include any elms, so alternative species such as lime, sycamore and horse chestnut were used.

Lionel Bolland, chief executive of Port Sunlight Village Trust, explained that the trust recently completed a conservation and management plan, which will help guide it to preserve the village for future generations.

Andy Church added: “At the same time, a separate replanting programme has also been proposed which will allow us to introduce some alternative tree species into the village and the first stage of this is to re introduce elms back into the village after an absence of nearly 30 years.”

The variety selected is a medium sized tree which is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.

“These trees also have additional benefit of exhibiting excellent seasonal colour, with the foliage turning bright gold in the autumn.”

l The Christmas lights being turned on outside Port Sunlight Museum on Wednesday, December 3 at 6pm - the museum’s late night shopping evening which runs from 5.30pm-8.30pm - when there will be mulled wine chocolates and mince pies.

On Sunday, December 7, Port Sunlight Outdoor Christmas Market is being held from 11am-3pm. There will be quality food and craft stalls on the museum green, with musical entertainment.

An Edwardian Christmas Experience takes place on December 6-7 and 13-14 when Father Christmas will be visiting Port Sunlight Museumand when you can also make traditional Christmas decorations. Entry into the museum plus a gift from Father Christmas is £5 per child.