Restoration of the Serpentine Ride
Restoring our heritage landscape
If you’ve visited the Arboretum before lockdown (or have read our apprentice Arborist William’s recent article) you may have noticed the work that has taken place along the Serpentine Ride.
We have been focusing on removing the next sections of the invasive Rhododendron ponticum, ahead of replanting. The Ride forms part of our heritage landscape and the restoration work is being undertaken for a number of different reasons. Age structure and biosecurity are the two main reasons, but also the opportunity to enhance the collections by growing horticulturally significant collections of rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias. These three genera form part of what I refer to as ‘signature plants’ for the Arboretum, on the basis that they define the landscape, and were widely used alongside conifers when the Harcourt family established the Arboretum.
All this would not be possible without a dedicated team of people. Working alongside the tree team are our volunteers, without whom such progress would not be possible, and for whose assistance we are very grateful. When I walk along the Serpentine Ride, giving a guided tour for example, it is great to be able to speak not just about the collections, but also the of the team effort that has gone into this work.
We look forward to continuing this work and welcoming back our volunteers when we are able to.
Ben Jones
Arboretum Curator
Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum
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