96. Ryebank Aspen

A whole grove rather than a single tree will surprise you in an unloved corner of Manchester.

Rewilded before the term was invented, Ryebanks Fields has variously been brickworks, landfill and sports fields. This last use ceased in 1996 since when the fields have been left to nature. Manchester Metropolitan University who owns the land has caused local costernation by threatening to sell the land for development. So go now to see the remarkable clonal aspen grove in the north east corner.

Species details

Aspen
Populus tremula

Where to find it

Ryebank Fields, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester M21 9WW
///verse.listed.tribes | 53.448914, -2.285666

Aspen notes

Aspens, a species of poplar, are one of the most widely distributed Eurasian trees, occurring from the west of Ireland to the Kamchatka peninsula in the Russian far east. They are usually associated with western and northern districts in Britain and Ireland, and are rarely seen in urban settings, but are, I think, very attractive trees which should be planted more often. I particularly like their delicate, fluttering leaves whose trembling (a feature recalled in the latin name Populus tremula) is triggered by the slightest breeze.

Brighton & Hove Tree Festival 2024

The programme for the Brighton & Hove Tree Festival has been announced, find out more here. I will be part of a panel on Saturday 18th May: Fantastic Elms and Other Amazing Trees, booking is now open, come along and say hello.