Overview
Cirencester Park is Registered Grade I Listed Parkland. Arguably, the most famous walk in Cirencester Park is the Broad Avenue, with the first two thirds of a mile lined with Horse Chestnut trees, formally planted in the early 1800’s by Henry, the 3rd Earl Bathurst.
Challenge
There are thought to have been approximately 290 trees planted, in pairs opposite each other; and is likely to have been done in commemoration of victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
Of the original 290 plantings, just 92 remain on the Avenue and were fast coming to the end of their lives.
Approach
Wildwood Ecology surveyed these trees using various survey techniques for bats and other protected species between 2017 and 2019. A bat licence was obtained, and trees felled.
Outcome
In compensation for the loss of trees, Small Leaved Lime trees (Tilia Cordata) were planted. Various bat boxes were also erected, mainly for enhancement of Cirencester Park for bats.
