Every tree tells a tale

Story: Richard Gill, Community Tree Officer (Sheffield City Council)

• Have you ever seen a Ghost tree?

• Do you know which tree is an international symbol of peace and prosperity?

• What is the world’s oldest surviving tree species?

• Have you seen a tree that can live over 4,000 years?

• Where would you find a home for over 1000 other forms of life?

• What tree used to be planted as a lightning conductor?

• Which tree species are crucial to the treatment of cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, memory loss and dementia?

Take a walk on the Abbeyfield Park Tree Tales Trail and you will actually meet the answers and so much more – because every tree has a tale to tell.

Tree Tales and Trails

The Tree Trail was created in 2004 with the help of children from Byron Wood, Firshill, Pye Bank, St Catherine’s and Whiteways Schools, along with many members of the local community. Many new trees were planted in Abbeyfield Park, trees from literally every continent of the world, reflecting the wonderful diversity of the Burngreave community. Local children researched tree-lore from around the world and the importance of trees to all mankind. Working with renowned storyteller Shonaleigh and illustrator Graham Higgins these varied elements were brought together into a fascinating collection of illustrated tree stories called ‘Tree Tales & Trails’.

Trail restored

Sadly, a number of the newly planted trees suffered at the hands of vandals – a great shame for a project designed to benefit not just the present, but future generations too. But we are pleased to report that in November the Community Forestry Project worked along with enthusiastic pupils from Firshill School and Tinsley Tree Project to fully restore the Tree Trail.

Schools and community groups are invited to arrange a guided walk around the trail.

All the schools involved in the project have copies of this publication available in their libraries. There are also a limited number available from Sheffield City Council’s Parks & Countryside section contact Community Forester Leonie Kapadia, Tel: 250 0500.