Month: August 2020

The magnificent 250-year old Cedar of Lebanon that dominates the landscape in the west side of Pittville Park is under threat. It has been determined that its roots are affecting a neighbouring property and the solution is sadly that the tree might have to be felled. Friends of Pittville had hoped that a root barrier might be possible but this may be unaffordable by its owners, Gloucestershire County Council. A final decision is expected soon.

The fortnightly working parties resumed on 9 June with up to 30 people turning out to help get the Park into shape. The many jobs tackled have included weeding the rockery and Bed 38 (planting has been delayed by the lockdown), dealing with the weeds on the West bridge and pruning the nearby shrubs, pruning the west side beech hedge, removing bindweed from the Albemarle Gate hedge, edging paths, cleaning benches and keeping the area at Pittville Gates looking tidy. Litter picking is a regular job that’s done by the volunteers, including between working  parties, and Henry and Kath Williams, among others,  have gathered many black bags full since lockdown started.

The working parties are divided into small groups to observe social distancing rules and all have had a briefing from the park staff before starting work.

Friends of Pittville volunteers had intended to plant up Bed 38 (the one at the corner of Evesham and Wellington Roads) this spring but the lockdown intervened. As it happened nature helped out in the meantime by providing a lovely display of poppies. The photo was taken by Kathy James.

The live music event sponsored by Friends of Pittville on the 2 August at the Pump Room cafe proved very popular with up to 300 people enjoying the good weather and listening to the string quartet Gaudeamus Youth Strings playing a variety of music. The next ‘Friends of Pittville Presents’ event will be on Sunday 23 August featuring Rainy.