Trees blueprint

The creation of a Sidmouth Arboretum fully deserves the high praise given by Roy Lancaster (“Arboretum wins top-level praise”, Herald, June 21, page 8).

It is not, however, quite the new concept asserted. Inevitably the Victorians got there first, with industrial cities, led by Derby in 1840, setting the trend for civic arboreta.

That said, Sidmouth could provide the blueprint for the 21st century.

We love and fight to preserve the mature trees in our landscape, but we forget their increasing vulnerability.

Every generation should plant trees – “plant a pear for your heirs”. Why don’t we start by planting in the Knowle?

Dr W Moore

(via email)