Ben sent me a picture of a branch that fell off a tree in Bath Street. He says, ” It fell blocking the entrance to the footpath into the Fitzharrys estate. It is NOT the entire tree, whatever the Oxford Mail might say. No one was hurt, fortunately.”

When I went to investigate the branch had been removed, and the Horse Chestnut tree from which it came was still standing.

A lady saw me taking pictures and asked if I was from the Council, because branches did drop off the tall trees. She pointed out this Lime Tree.

She also mentioned some tall redwoods near houses, that she said were leaning. I said I was not from the council, but I could report her worries on my blog.

These mature trees are left from the Fitzharrys House grounds. The house was demolished in 1953 and the current ‘modern’ houses added.

A diversion has been put in place for cyclists following the National Cycle Network route 5. The signs direct people on an alternative route from the Abbey Gateway to Barton Fields.

Tree Cutting is happening during the day time in the Abbey Meadows for the next week.

People can walk round the affected area over the grass.

Construction works will then be carried out by Skanska UK Plc on behalf of Oxfordshire County Council, and Vale of White Horse District Council, on the same stretch of cycle path, and The path will be closed until 18th November 2020 (subject to good weather).

Back in 2006 I took pictures of some trees, with tree guards  – under the title ‘A Young Tree Needs Protection’. I have posted pictures of those same trees several times. This is the 7th.

The first tree, on the Ock Valley Walk, was planted for John Jones OBE, Freeman of Abingdon, by Jean Jones, his widow. It now spreads over the path, and merges with a horse chestnut behind. The guard has long since been removed.

The next two trees were planted together in the Albert Park.

They are still there with their tree guards, growing slowly. One has always had a slight lean.

The final tree was on Caldecott Road.

It got broken off and did not survive to see 2007, but another tree was planted in 2007 with a stronger tree guard. It can be seen here.

The Liquidambar trees on the Market Place are turning red.

These regular trees have behaved well so far on the Market Place and The Square in Abingdon, and each year give a flaming red autumn show.

Peter Green had something to do with their selection when he was on Abingdon Town Council. When he suggested Liquidambar a lot of people said what are they? At the time there was a choice between them and the better known London Plane.

There are Plane trees at St Helen’s Wharf, alongside the River Thames, just as there are along the longer embankment in London.

The Plane trees along Conduit Road were pollarded earlier in the year and have already grown back to what can be seen in the picture. They are hardy urban trees that can be cut back and then grow again.