Welcome to the Eastrop Park Tree Trail, which was designed by the Basingstoke Tree Wardens and Park Rangers.
Eastrop Park is reached by a short walk from Festival Place and the bus station or the Eastrop Lane bus stop. Alternatively, the purple bus from the town’s park and ride stops at City Wall House on Basing View, where a short walk across the footbridge leads to the park.
For more information about the trees or about parks and open spaces call 01256 844844.
Follow the map and enjoy the beauty of a variety of trees, as you walk around the park.
The trail starts at the boathouse with the wooden marker post number 1. The majority of this trail is on hard tarmac path, access to some of the trees may be difficult but they are all visible from the main path. A leaflet of the trail is available from the Civic office.
Please click this map to open a larger version in a new window
1. Cherry (Prunus species)
Henry VIII was said to have introduced the cherry orchards to England. By the year 1600, cherries cost about 4p per pound. Cherry stones were burned to make charcoal for gas masks during the First World War. The reddish-brown wood is much sought after for wood carving and furniture.
2. Père David's Maple (Acer davidii)
This tree is named after the French missionary who discovered the tree in the Far East. It is also known as 'snake-bark' maple because of the distinctive pattern on its bark.
3. Purple Beech (Fagus sylvatica, variety purpurea)
Beech wood was used to make the posts that support Winchester Cathedral. It was also used in the past to make books and paper. More recently beech tar has been used to treat chronic skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema.
4. Italian Alder (Alnus cordata)
The wood of the alder is very durable, particularly under water. It is reputed that the buildings of Venice stand on alder wood. It is also used to make dishes, spoons, clogs, canoe paddles and as an ingredient in gunpowder.
5. Weeping Willow (Salix x chrysocoma)
There are over 250 species of willow. Weeping willows have traditionally been a symbol of mourning. This tree was introduced in the early 18th Century from the Middle East. Napoleon Bonaparte became so fond of one when imprisoned on the island of St. Helena that he asked to be buried under it.
6. Norway Maple (Acer platanoides)
The maple is widely planted for its spectacular autumn colour. Because of its attractive grain, it was used to make part of the famous Stradivarius violins and wood turners could make goblets so thin, they were almost transparent.
7. Basingstoke Canal Hedgerow
When the canal was completed in 1794 a timber fence was erected to guide the horses along the towpath. It was replaced by a hawthorn hedge in 1805, as most of the original fence had been stolen. Part of this original hedge can be seen at marker 7.
8. Osier (Salix viminalis)
The osier is widely used for basket weaving. The country-dance 'Strip the Willow' is named after this willow tree.
9. Grey Alder (Alnus incana)
Alders grow in cold, wet places. Their roots have nodules in which nitrogen-fixing bacteria grow, making them ideal for planting in poor soils and on derelict land. Compare the fruit, catkins and leaves with the Italian alder (4) nearby.
10. Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum)
The horse chestnut was brought here from Turkey in the 16th century. It is planted for its conkers and long flowery spikes in spring. A piece of chestnut in a boat is said to make it go faster!
11. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra variety italica)
This tree may have taken its name from the Latin 'arbor populi', the people's tree. Poplars have long been planted along town streets, close to people.
12. Swamp Cypress (Taxodium distichum)
Introduced in 1640 by the celebrated gardener, John Tradescant, this young tree has yet to develop 'woody knees'. These are specialised roots that grow out of the waterlogged ground to help with aeration of the whole root system.
13. Whitebeam (Sorbus aria)
The hard, tough wood of whitebeam was used for making cogs in machinery, preceding the use of iron. Overripe berries were used to make jelly, which was eaten with venison.
14. Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australis)
The apical bud (or 'cabbage') of this species was regularly eaten by Aboriginies and early settlers to Australia, whilst its leaves were used to make hats, fishing-lines, nets and baskets.
15. Deodar (Cedrus deodara)
The cedar tree was introduced to Britain from the Himalayas in 1831. It is regarded in India as a symbol of fruitfulness and durability. The timber is traditionally used in the building of temples and palaces.
16. English Walnut (Juglans regia)
The walnut tree was introduced to England by the Romans. Its leaves and husks were the main source of brown hair dyes until the 20th century. Walnut oil is a popular aromatic ingredient often used in salads and Chinese recipes.
17. Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
This hawthorn tree pre-dates the park, which was constructed in the 1970s. It was probably a field boundary marker.
18. English Oak (Quercus robur)
When this young tree matures it may have over 500 species of flora and fauna associated with it. Some of Britain's oldest houses reveal an extensive use of oak in their construction. It was also planted to ensure a steady supply of timber for the English Navy.
19. Black Mulberry (Morus nigra)
First Introduced by the Romans for its deep red edible fruit and planted in the 17th century as a food source for silk-worms. The childrens' rhyme "Here we go round the mulberry bush" is thought to have originated from the planting of mulberry trees in prison exercise yards.
20. Cider Gum (Eucalyptus gunnii)
The cider gum is native to the island of Tasmania and was introduced to Britain in 1641. There are over 600 species of gum trees. Koala bears feed almost exclusively on their leaves.
21. Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)
Rowan berries are an important food source for redwings and blackbirds. It has been suggested that if you tie a piece of rowan to the collar of a hound, it will make it run faster!
22. Birch (Betula utilis Jacquemontii)
A variety of the Himalayan birch planted for its dazzling white, peeling bark and yellow autumn colour. Birches cast a dappled shade and are ideal for parks and gardens.
23. Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica glauca)
This tree came to Britain from the Blue Atlas Mountains of Morocco in 1841. It can be distinguished from other cedars by its ascending branches, which appear to hold up the world.