TREES IN LAKE MEADOWS 

Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra, “Italica”)          Map Ref 19 

A native of Asia; the first cuttings were brought to Britain in the eighteenth century from Lombardy in Northern Italy. The leaves are diamond shaped, the edges of which are translucent with small regular teeth. The male trees have dark red catkins which ripen in April, (the majority of theses trees in Europe are male). Ite tall slender shape is a common sight along avenues or masking industrial sites. When located close to buildings founded on clay soils major damage can be caused to the fabric of the buildings due to shrinkage. There are several in the park and a small group of five is indicated on the map. 

Weeping Willow (Salix “Chrysocama”).     Map Ref 20 

Introduced into Britain from France in the early nineteenth century, it is often planted near to water where it grows rapidly and can reach 20 metres. There is a striking contrast between the yellowish twigs and the long slender green leaves. In the park there are many good examples displaying the rounded shape with the branches and leaves cascading towards the ground.