102. Benwell Walnut
An impressive veteran walnut is a highlight of Newcastle’s urban forest.
One of the most impressive walnuts in Britain or Ireland grows in an unlikely spot surrounded by housing in Newcastle’s West End. It is a survivor from the grounds of Benwell Hall, a Georgian house demolished in 1980. The tree is contorted with age but is otherwise in good condition and continues to produce a good crop of walnuts, attracting squirrels from far and wide.
Species details
Walnut
Juglans regia
Where to find it
Benwell Hall, Benwell Hall Drive, Newcastle upon Tyne NE15 7PJ
///gown.rises.likes | 54.975488, -1.676273
Walnut notes
Walnuts are one of those species that has been knocking around with humans for so long, their natural distribution is something of a mystery. In his book ‘Wildwood’, the late Roger Deakin journeyed to the walnut forests of Kazakhstan where, along with apples, he makes a compelling case for their being native to that part of Central Asia. Recent academic studies suggest walnuts may have a native range extending into western Asia, and even Europe, and as far east as China. They are definitely not native to England though, despite their frequently used common name of ‘English Walnut’, a case of wishful thinking. They do well here however, and some of the finest I have seen are in Northern England and Scotland. In the south of England they fruit well, and have been grown commercially for their unripe fruits used in pickling, as well as for their timber.
Urban Tree Festival – book your tickets!
The 2024 Urban Tree Festival runs 11-19th May and I will be involved in several events throughout the nine days including guided walks around London parks and estates, a film screening and a discussion about elm trees in Brighton.
Here are a few things I’m involved in…
12th May 17:00 – The Street Tree x Fruity Walks with London National Park City
Join me and Divya Hariramani (aka Fruity Walks) for an exploration of the City of London followed by a film screening at the National Park City Visitor Centre on Fleet Street.
18th May 15:00 – Fantastic Elms and Other Amazing Trees
I’ll be talking about great trees in Brighton as part of a panel including Kate Sheldon CEO of Trees for Cities. The event will be chaired by David Shreeve of the Conservation Foundation.
19th May 14:30 – A Guided Tour of Southwark Park’s Trees
We will explore the Park’s nineteenth century landscape, including the many fine London plane trees, discover some other interesting tree species, and visit the Ada Salter Garden where the legacy of this pioneering tree-planting politician in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe will be discussed.
That's a wonderful old tree! Maybe some politico could sponsor a bill giving special old trees some form of legal protection. They're national treasures. Seeing them cut down or even pollarded breaks my heart.
By the by, we own a copy of that book, Wildwood!