But there are an awful lot of trees on the Stray, and an AWFUL lot of avenues of trees, which effectively slice the Stray up like a pizza and make it impossible to get a long view of anything. I think a lot of the tree planting shows something of a lack of imagination. Would it be better to plant trees in clumps or coppices? The area around Christchurch looks very pretty. Or would it be better to have fewer trees?
Oh, big surprise - a car parked on Oatlands Drive this afternoon, without even the excuse of a big sporting event.
Incidentally, I meant to save this picture as "Oatlands Drive 1", but it came out as Oatlands Drivel. I think my computer is trying to tell me something.
It is interesting to note that a little over 100 years ago there was only one avenue of trees on the Stray and that lead from West Park to Tewit Well. None of the other paths were lined by trees. Therefore the historic Stray was very open and gave long views of grass. With the exception of the old wells and a urinal hidden in a copse where the changing rooms are now, there were no other structures on the historic Stray. I always believed the green buildings were Victorian or Edwardian but I am yet to find a map showing them before 100 years ago.
ReplyDeleteIt is frightening just how much of the historic Stray has "disappeared" to other uses for the Council.