HISTORIC 200-YEAR-OLD+ BUILE HILL MANSION TREE KILLED BY DUTCH ELM DISEASE

An historic Salford tree has become the latest victim of Dutch Elm disease which has already affected many tree's not only in Salford but across the whole country.

The tree, which has stood affront of Buile Hill Mansion and is estimated to be around 200 years old has sadly died from the disease and must now be felled for safety reasons.

The proud standing tree is likely to have been sprouted as a sapling around the 1825 when the mansion house was first designed by the architect Sir Charles Barry and constructed for its owner Thomas Potter, who would soon go on to become the first Mayor of Manchester.

We took a trip to the park ourselves and confirm it is quite dead and will soon become dangerous not only to the public but also to the mansion itself if it is not dealt with.

It will be sad to see it go after all these years as many including myself have fond memories of it, but alas the safety of the public is paramount. 

Peter Openshaw, Strategic Director Place, Salford City Council said:

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“Dutch elm disease is one of the most serious tree diseases in the world and has devastated trees all over the globe. It spreads easily and there is no known way of preventing it or curing it once it begins.  

“It is very sad to lose such an old tree but if it is left in place it will start to drop dead branches which could fall on passers-by. If a large limb fell on someone, particularly a child, it could seriously injure them or even kill and no-one wants to see that happen.  If the tree itself fell it could even damage the Mansion.

“As usual with any tree which has to be removed because it is damaged, diseased, dying or dead it will be replaced with two trees. Two new purple beech trees will be planted in Buile Hill Park.

“We are working with the Buile Hill Mansion Association whose members understand the situation to see if the tree trunk can be kept and used to enhance the park in some way.”

 

Repairs to the Mansion, to prevent further deterioration will begin shortly to help prepare for full restoration of the building once proposals have been agreed.

The Buile Hill Mansion Association who are liaisons between the public, council and those with interests in the mansion, have been working hard over the past few years to try get the mansion restored and back in use for future generations of Salfordians to enjoy.