AN HISTORIC tree in Cubbington will live on through its offspring.
Despite the failure of efforts to save the Cubbington wild pear tree from the path of the HS2 bulldozers, grafted saplings will now ensure its offspring survive in and around the village.
Grafts of the original tree, voted English Tree of the Year in 2015, were made by Bedfordshire-based lecturer Paul Labous and his horticultural students at Shuttleworth College.
A single graft proved successful, and following further propagation, a number of dormant saplings were returned to Cubbington last month.
Saplings from the tree, which has stood for some 250 years in South Cubbington Wood, are currently being planted locally.
Rosemary Guiot, of Cubbington Action Group against HS2 which fought to try and save the tree, is coordinating the operation.
She said: “Our offers of a pear sapling to community groups and sites have been met with great enthusiasm.
“The first priority is to plant in Cubbington village, and saplings will find a home in St Mary’s churchyard and the grounds of our two primary schools – Cubbington CE School and Our Lady and St Teresa’s School.
“Later, after growing on, others will be planted in Cubbington’s recreation grounds.”
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and Guy’s Cliffe Walled Garden in Warwick are both keen to receive a sapling, and other potential sites in the area are also being considered.
A ceremony to commemorate the planting of the sapling at Cubbington CE School took place this week.
Head teacher Juliet Jones said: “We hope to do our Welly Walk again in springtime, walking in South Cubbington Wood and seeing the ancient pear tree in bloom. Last year we took a photograph of all 200 pupils in front of it.”
