Common Ash Tree

A great starting point....

If you enter the Park on the eastern side, from Holborn and St.Pancras, you’re likely to begin your visit in the wide open space of Cumberland Green. When John Nash planned the Park in the early 19th century this area was set aside for villas and kept relatively clear of trees - but the fine houses were never built, and the space is now popular for sport, and special events including Frieze Art Fair in October.

The trees which are here stand out in the open land, and close to a bend in the path near St.Katherine’s Gate (confirm) stand two unmissable ashes. The one furthest from the bend is about eighty years old and now stands at around 25 metres. This is a European or common ash, one of our largest native deciduous trees, capable of growing up to 43 metres high, and widening to six metres across its trunk.

The ash is steeped in tradition and folklore - in Old Norse mythology, a giant ash called Yggdrasil was said to link heaven and hell, and the god Odin carved the first man from its wood. Odin chose well, because ash is wonderful timber. Tough and springy, it’s ideal for hockey sticks, skis and axe handles.