Native trees damaged in heavy snow - 22/01/10

Native trees and shrubs at Kew Gardens' country estate in West Sussex have suffered serious damage in the recent heavy snowfall, conservationists have said.

At Wakehurst Place, the 500-acre estate at Ardingly, one tree was brought down, while several other unusual trees lost their branches because of the build up of snow.

Staff said more than 100 trees will need tree surgery, adding that the icy spell had caused the worst damage to their collection since gales in the 1990s.

IIain Parkinson, Wakehurst's Woodland and Conservation manager, described the snow as a "silent executioner".

He said: "I have not experienced this sort of damage from snow at Wakehurst before.

"In a storm or strong winds you are prepared for damage because there is a lot of noise, but the snow has been like a silent executioner."

Branches were ripped out by the sheer weight of snow lying on them for long periods of time, Mr Parkinson explained.

He added: "In the long term most of the trees will recover, but I'm sure there will be some visitors who will be quite sad to see damage to trees they are fond of."

Native trees damaged in heavy snow - 22/01/10

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