On the trail of Leaf and Legacy in Broomfield Park

Following the inaugural Broomfield Park Tree Trail walk on Saturday 1st November, one of the events included in the Unlocking Broomfield Park project, a leaflet has been published with a map showing the locations of and information about 23 notable trees.

The Broomfield Park Leaf and Legacy leaflet is a joint production by Enfield Council, Friends of Broomfield Park and the Broomfield Conservatory volunteers, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It takes visitors along a trail that starts with at the Aldermans Hill end of the park, near the Model Boating Pond, and ends with an ash tree located next to the path that separates the upper and middle lakes.

The first port of call on the walk is the Pride of India Tree, with its elegant summer blooms and vibrant autumn foliage. Other standouts include the Strawberry Tree, known for its striking red bark and edible fruit, and the Dawn Redwood, a living fossil once thought extinct, now thriving with its soft, feathery leaves.

Key

For more detailed information about each tree, visit this page on the Enfield Council website then click on the names of individual trees.

1. Pride of India Tree - From China and Korea. Lovely summer flowers and colourful autumn leaves.
2. English Oak - Famous UK tree. Strong wood. UK's top wildlife tree.
3. Pin Oak - A tall tree with shiny star-shaped leaves.
4. Weeping Willows - Graceful trees with drooping branches near water.
5. Sentinel Tree -Tall landmark tree, standing proud as a watchful park guardian.
6. Hornbeam - Strong UK native tree with tough wood, toothed leaves, and wildlife value.
7. Tupelo - Brilliant autumn colours, loves damp soil, food for birds and bees.
8. Double Avenue of Limes - Historic double rows of trees, forming a grand, green walkway. Originally Elm trees.
9. Swamp Cypress (Bald Cypress) - From the USA. Wood used for barrels and window frames.
10. Sweet Gum - A sturdy tree with deep green pointed leaves that turn red in Autumn
11. Alder - Native to the UK. Loves wet soil near rivers.
12. Red Oak - From the USA. Leaves turn bright flame-red in autumn.
13. Ginkgo (Maidenhair Tree) - From China. Females grow smelly fruits, males don't.
14. Persian Ironwood - From Iran. Its wood is super hard, like iron.
15. Indian Bean Tree - Huge leaves, orchid-like flowers, long bean pods. Very showy!
16. Holm Oak - From the Mediterranean. Strong wood used for wheels and tools.
17. Dawn Redwood - A conifer that drops its needles every autumn. Grows very fast.
18. White Mulberry - From Asia. Grown for delicious purple fruits since Roman times.
19. Common Yew (2 trees) - Ancient evergreens (300-800 years). Survivors of the 1600­1700's Baroque garden layout.
20. Strawberry Tree - Evergreen with white flowers and red, strawberry-like fruits.
21. Cedar of Lebanon - Huge evergreen with spreading branches, symbol of strength and peace, often planted next to historic houses.
22. Caucasian Wingnut - Unusual tree with long leaves and dangling, winged seeds.
23. Ash - UK native. Seeds called "keys." Lovely autumn colour.

There are other examples of many of these trees to find in the park. Other trees you might spot include Copper Beeches, Horse Chestnuts, Judas Tree, Silver Birches, Sweet Chestnuts and Walnut Trees. The Community Orchard is home to over 100 fruit trees, including 44 kinds of apple. A feast for wildlife (and people too!).