Tagging trees is both labour intensive and costly, so
the FoBP decided for our Level 1 status application
that we would map the trees online for the public
to access. We chose Curio XYZ as the host, and the
entire tree collection can be viewed online here.
Future Plans
Already the achievement of the ArbNet Level 1 Arboretum
accreditation has brought offers of more trees to bolster
the species diversity of Brunswick Park. Our arboretum
has generated much publicity via local news outlets, and
our partnership with the Parks Departments has been
successful and a possible model for other communities.
The arboretum accreditation has elevated our small town
park, and now we plan to seek further funding to build
on our community engagement and promote the value of
urban trees. With the FoBP's help, a second community
arboretum has been added in another large local park; the
new arboretum there is specialising in coniferous species.
Tree planting in 2020, 2021, and 2022 saw a Japanese
pagoda tree (Styphnolobium japonicum), a fastigiate
golden rain tree (Koelreuteria paniculata 'Fastigiata'),
a date plum (Diospyros lotus), various ginkgo, and a
European nettle tree (Celtis australis). Coincidentally,
these are species that have been used regularly as street
trees in Birmingham; expect to see more of them, as
they do well in most circumstances. Birmingham also
has a street tree evaluation programme utilizing vol-
unteer labor; the performance data for these street
trees will be compared with that of the same species in
Brunswick Park. The trees for the 2023 UK National Tree
Week (November 27-December 5) are being paid for out
of the last reserves of the original water board grant.
The local council is redrafting its tree strategy and
has big ambitions around tree planting; now the FoBP
can offer them a more scientific approach to the tree
selection by demonstrating trees that perform well
locally. With more trees being planted in housing
areas to maximise the ecosystem benefits for com-
munities, getting the tree selection right the first
time is only going to become ever more important.
After increasing the species collection significantly in
recent years and extending our public education and
outreach, the FoBP are looking forward to applying
for ArbNet Level 2 Arboretum Accreditation.
Recommended
Reading and Viewing
• Using botanic gardens and
arboreta to help identify
urban trees for the future
• South Staffs Water Video with Ian
McDermott speaking about tree
planting in Brunswick Park during
the 2019 UK National Tree Week—
planting with assistance from the
South Staffs Water PEBBLE fund.
• South Staffs Water Video about
the work of Friends of Brunswick
Park and partners during the
2021 UK National Tree Week
planting, also funded by PEBBLE.
The full tree collection within Brunswick Park can be viewed on Curio XYZ.
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