The Cyril Hart Arboretum will be a hive of activity on Monday 6th July. Forestry Commission staff and friends, relatives and some who worked with Dr Hart will be using the occasion to remember him and to mark their respects in a way he would have appreciated – by donning their working gloves.
Born in the Forest of Dean in 1913, Dr Hart was a Forestry expert, a Senior Verderer, a local historian, advisor and inspiration for many within the Forestry Commission. In 1981, he was awarded an OBE for his services to Forestry and in 1999 the Forest of Dean Arboretum, near Speech House, was named after him. So, it is fitting to mourn his passing just a month ago and celebrate his wonderful life and achievements.
The Arboretum was started nearly 100 years ago when a collection of exotic specimen trees was brought back to Britain from Central China by Ernest “Chinese” Wilson. Cyril Hart’s book ‘British Trees in Colour’ features 63 species,50 of which can be found in the Arboretum today.
The volunteers tasks for the day will include general maintenance jobs – removing broken fencing, grubbing out re-growth, weeds and bramble from around specimen trees and cleaning all the signs.
Perhaps the most important job of the day will be to re-label the specimen trees – there are over 100 trees which will have new labels.The Arboretum Volunteers, who have been working on the site since last November, welcome the opportunity for extra pairs of hands on the day.
Rob Guest, Deputy Surveyor for the Forestry Commission, Forest of Dean said:
“By the end of the day, Cyril Hart’s Arboretum will be looking very well maintained and will evoke fond memories of this amazing man for those who knew and respected him.”
For more information contact: Heather Lilley, Public Affairs Manager, Forestry Commission, Forest of Dean District. Heather.lilley@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel. 01594 833057
Ends
NOTES TO EDITOR:
1. This event is by invitation only – not open to the general public.
2. The Cyril Hart Arboretum is situated on the B4226 Coleford to Cinderford road close to the Speech House. OS Grid Reference: SO624118