AFTER one of Lydiard Park’s oldest walnut trees was destroyed by strong winds, a Haydon Wick man has stepped in to donate one in its place.

It was back in December 2013 that the iconic tree, located on the main lawn in front of Lydiard House, perished as fierce winds ripped off branches and severely damaged the trunk.

The tree was believed to be one of the oldest walnuts in the country.

In the weeks and months that followed, the Lydiard team worked tirelessly to find ways to continue the walnut line through propagation but sadly, while there had been some regrowth, the long term prospects for its survival were not looking good.

But in an unprecedented turn of events, Lydiard Park was contacted by Haydon Wick resident Mike Critchley with hope that it could be saved.

“I used to come here as a kid riding my bike so I know the area well,” the 77-year-old said.

“A few years ago we read in the Adver that the tree had been damaged and it was when I was with my grandson that we came here and walked around that we saw it.

“We just had a walk around and picked up some fallen fruit and decided to plant them at home. I do it quite frequently and I even have an olive tree in my garden.

“Then they started to grow quite quick so we planted them in my daughter’s woodland area. I then thought why not get back in touch with Lydiard to help?

“The trees here are superb and Lydiard Park is an important place for the people of Swindon.

“We come here quite a lot when we want to go on a short walk and it is a beautiful place so coming here to plant the tree has been good fun. It is lovely to think that this has all come about from donating one of the trees.”

Mike planted his donated tree at a special event yesterday morning much to the delight of Lydiard Park staff who say that the gesture has helped secure the future of the walnut tree in the estate.

Stuart Webb, estate and parkland manager, said: “When I first got the news about the tree coming down, I was devastated because it was one of the most important and significant trees in the landscape here.

“To see it finally in the ground is just fantastic and it means so much to the estate and so we can’t thank Mike enough for taking the trouble to come here and donate it to us.

“We are indebted to Mike, and his son of course, for their generosity and horticultural prowess. We hope that in the year 2217, the Advertiser will be interviewing their descendants to reflect on this amazing story and on the family’s lasting connection with Lydiard Park.”

The timber from the damaged 300-year-old walnut tree was turned into pens which have been sold to raise money for the maintenance of the estate and parkland.