The Lucas Gardens Tree Trail
A guest blog by Alex Mair
The Lucas Gardens Tree Trail is a 30 - 45 minute self-guided tree walk through Lucas Gardens, a South London park opened to the public in 1955. The tree trail is an activity suitable for all ages that families can take part in. With fun facts as well as a mini quiz to answer, this walk can offer not only beautiful sights but also be engaging and educational.
What is fascinating about Lucas Gardens is the sheer number of species of trees both indigenous to the UK and from across the globe. From an Ash, Copper Beech and Hazel to a Tree of Heaven and Tibetan Cherries both introduced from China, and the Indian bean tree originating from the American Deep South, the trees in Lucas Gardens give us a glance across the world. These trees in Lucas Gardens reflect the vibrancy and diversity of the surrounding local area of Camberwell, as well as giving a great insight into its history too. Whilst it's a shame we can’t travel abroad right now, we can at least experience nature from across the world in Lucas Gardens!
The trail guide provides interesting information on a number of tree species in the park. It explores their histories from both a scientific and cultural perspective, not only talking about the trees’ age but also examining the folklore behind them. For example, visitors will be glad to know that folklore tells us no harm will befall a traveller who seeks shelter under the park’s prominent Copper Beech! The tree trail looks into the past and the future of these trees, enlightening us on the origins of these trees while also exploring what Lucas Gardens will look like in a number of years - the English Oak in the park is young but could eventually grow to 40 metres and dominate the park.
This walk is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about a wide range of different trees while getting some exercise and experiencing the joys of being out in nature.
The Tree Trail guide and map can be found here: http://www.camberwellsociety.org.uk/treewalk2/
There are two separate versions, based on whether you’d prefer to print out the guide/map or use your phone instead."
Alex Mair has lived in Camberwell for 18 years. He promotes a range of issues for Camberwell Life, Camberwell Society and the Denmark Hill Station Partnership as a volunteer.
