With the announcement this week that the controversial HS2 is to go ahead, a local horticultural team have helped to save an historic tree from being swept away in its path.
The HS2 train line and the route it is slicing through the countryside has a “siding” story involving Shuttleworth College near Biggleswade.
The track looks likely to cut a swathe through woodland at the village of Cubbington, Warwickshire threatening its famous historic pear tree.
But thanks to advanced horticultural techniques at Shuttleworth College a sapling has been created via grafting and has now been planted in a safe setting in a neighbouring village.
www.leamingtonobserver.co.uk/news/historic-cubbington-pear-tree-to-live-on-through-its-offspring/
Shuttleworth College in Bedfordshire and its Royal Horticultural Society tutor Paul Labous have gained a reputation for saving rare pear trees – starting with the Old Warden Pear mentioned by Shakespeare. The team won a Heritage Lottery Fund grant for their pioneering work.
Read the full story here www.bedford.ac.uk/about/news/2016/july/dna-of-shakespeares-pear
Are you looking for a career in an area which combines conservation with real job satisfaction by working in the outdoors? Shuttleworth College offers introductory courses which can lead on degrees in fascinating subjects. Go to bedford.ac.uk