THE QUEEN ANNE ANCIENT WOODLAND
Last week The Queen Anne welcomed tree surgeons to ensure our trees are in tip-top condition for the coming winter. With the hustle and bustle of the new term, it is a moment to stop, pause and reflect on everything these ancient trees will have witnessed, long before the woods became the school’s home. We are incredibly lucky to have an outstanding and unusual collection of trees on site. Read on to learn more!
The most striking tree at the Queen Anne is undoubtedly the Giant Redwood. Not only is the Redwood magnificent to look at, but it is a fantastic tool for learning. Seed dispersal is far more memorable when fire is essential for the cones to give up the seeds to the wind!
The Giant Redwood can live for 3000 years, but due to logging and fire management practices it is now endangered, which makes our very own all the more important. Just the mention of an endangered tree sparks curiosity in our children: “Why is it endangered?”, “How can we change that?”, “What happens to the animals that rely on the tree?”. We are extremely proud of their inquisitive and eco-conscious minds!
Native to South America, and named after the native American Catawba tribe, the Indian Bean tree is a firm favourite with the children. With enormous heart-shaped leaves, beautifully scented flowers, and runner bean-like seed pods, it is the focus of much imaginative play!
When the seed pods are this cool, who wouldn’t be engaged in learning their parts of a plant?! Do look out for the Indian Bean Tree situated outside the Hall.
A final tree of note for now, is the native Wild Service Tree. We have walked by these trees so many times, possibly without realising just how rare and special they are. A little research changed that, when we learnt that they are an indicator species for Ancient Woodland. The Wild Service Tree bears fruit, which until 100 years ago, was sold in markets as a cure for colic and an ingredient of jams and drinks!
We are extremely proud of our little patch of ancient woodland and the habitat it provides, as well as the Queen Anne children, who respect and look after it. We hope they will have many fond memories of playing and learning surrounded by nature.
