Features

On the Map

IMG_2719©Geoff Wilkinson

Amidst concerns over the health of Wanstead Park’s iconic Map Tree, Richard Arnopp takes a look at the 200-year-old specimen. Photo by Geoff Wilkinson

In Wanstead Park, the Long Walk once provided the eastward vista from Wanstead House toward the Ornamental Water. Near the end stands a lone Cedar of Lebanon on the bank of the lake. It is something of a landmark, and the only example of its species in the park.

At some point, this tree acquired the nickname of the Map Tree or the Tree of England, on account of its shape. Viewed from the north, its lopsided profile, with its longest branches spreading over the lake, give it something of the appearance of a map of England and Wales.

The Map Tree also has a pronounced lean toward the Ornamental Water, which appears to have increased over time. This has provoked some concern that time or a winter gale will cause it eventually to topple over. Epping Forest is on the case and Ben Murphy, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Epping Forest and Commons Committee, has confirmed they are aware of the problem and the tree has been inspected, revealing damage to major structural roots. Epping Forest’s conservation team are looking at options to prolong the tree’s life as much as possible and will announce their decision later this year. 

The Map Tree is interesting because it must have been planted in the very last days that the gardens of Wanstead were being actively augmented (probably up to about 1818). It appears as little more than a sapling in one of the illustrations (above) of a charming book from 1827 (Rambles in Waltham Forest. A stranger’s contribution to the triennial sale for the benefit of the Wanstead Lying-in Charity). This shows the Grotto (to the right), the Straight Canal (centre) and tip of Rook Island (left). The perspective may have been tweaked a bit to get them all in.

Cedars of Lebanon, frequently mentioned in the Bible, were introduced into this country about 400 years ago and became very popular ornaments in parks and gardens (though they have an alarming habit of shedding branches without much warning). The Map Tree is over two centuries old, but hasn’t grown very large, as I assume the gravelly soil doesn’t suit it. 

It would be a great pity if the tree were to be lost, but it was planted very close to the bank and, as it has grown, it has become unstable. If the branches over the lake had been cut back at an earlier stage it might have stabilised (while regrettably losing some of our western counties). It may be too late for that now, but we must await the verdict of the arborists.


For more information on Wanstead Park, visit wnstd.com/fwp

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