Gallery of Modern Art Sweet
Chestnut Location: Gallery
of Modern Art, Belford Road (NT 235 736)
Species: Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa)
Access: Free access to the grounds. Opening times are between 10am and 5pm with late
opening to 7pm on Thursdays. The site has good facilities including car park, toilets and cafe.
A large tree growing close to south-east corner of the gallery, which has a single large
diameter trunk with typical spiral growth. The tree is contemporary with the gallery making it
around 150 years in age. The species is native to Southern Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor
and is believed to have been introduced by the Romans. It is particularly attractive in July when
laden with yellowish-green male and female catkins. There are many other large, mature trees growing
within the grounds of the gallery including Beech (Fagus sylvatica), Turkey oak (Quercus cerris),
and Lime (Tilia sp.).
Photo Alan Laughlin
|
Hermitage of Braid
Location:
Hermitage of Braid, Braid Road. (NT 251 704)
Species: Variety of mainly broadleaf trees.
Access: Free public access at all times. The Edinburgh Ranger Service is based in Hermitage of
Braid House.
Hermitage of Braid has been designated as ancient woodland. This means
that woodland has covered the site for at least 300 years. However much
of the woodland is now semi-natural with Beech (Fagus sylvatica),
Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
regenerating freely.
Most of the large, mature trees probably date from
the early 19th century and there are many very old and large specimens
scattered throughout the attractive woodland setting. Many exceed 40 metres in height,
especially those growing in the valley bottom which could make them the tallest trees
in Edinburgh?
Photo Alan Laughlin
|
