Mulberries & Heritage Trees
of Gunnersbury Park

Event Information

In the 19th century and up to the 1920s, Gunnersbury Park in Ealing was the beautifully landscaped estate of the wealthy Rothschild family until it was purchased by the council. The grounds have a long history, dating back to the 17th century when previous owners planted trees such as Yews, Cedars, Beech, Oak - and Mulberries - which have now grown into magnificent heritage trees. 

Mulberry specialist Peter Coles will present the two mulberries in the Park (one a Paper Mulberry) and talk about the introduction of the mulberry to Britain and set the record straight regarding some common misunderstandings. 

We will then take a leisurely walk in the park to visit some of its magnificent heritage trees, including two 400 year-old yews. 

Contributors

Peter Coles

Peter Coles is a freelance writer and cultural historian. He is Visiting Fellow at the Centre for Urban and Community Research, Goldsmiths, University of London, where he contributes to the Photography and Urban Cultures MA programme.  Mulberry, Peter’s latest book, is published by Reaktion Books (November 2019).

In 2016 Peter collaborated with the Conservation Foundation to set up  Morus Londinium, a project to document, preserve and raise awareness of London’s mulberry tree heritage. Morus Londinium is winner of a European Heritage / Europa Nostra Heritage Award 2021. Visit the website to find Peter’s many blog articles revealing London’s heritage through its veteran mulberry trees. 

In 2018 Peter helped to set up the first Urban Tree Festival.  He is a member of the festival’s Steering Group and a regular contributor, giving talks and leading walks.

Morus Londinium 

Set up in 2016 to document and preserve our mulberry tree heritage. The mulberry project is part of the Conservation Foundation's  Heritage Tree programme, which includes  Yews, Elms, and Planes. 

www.moruslondinium.org

@LMulberries

Location of event

Meet point: In front of the Museum of Gunnersbury Park – Near the main entrance on Pope’s Lane

The E3 bus stops opposite the entrance and Gunnersbury overground and tube (District) stations are 15-20 minutes' walk away.