Harrogate’s famous “cherry tree walk” will be as spectacular as ever this Spring, thanks to the continued generosity of a Harrogate man.
For Guy Tweedy, whose York Place home overlooks The Stray, has now reached an arboriculture milestone with the planting of the 50th sapling paid for by him.
Mr Tweedy, a leading Thalidomide campaigner, first began paying for the replacement of the cherry trees – which border a path between York Place to Leeds Road – in 2005, when on one night vandals destroyed almost 30 newly planted saplings.
Last year, the businessman planted a dozen trees in memory of Geoffrey Raspin, the former head of Grosvenor House Prep School, whom he described as a “fantastic teacher and a superb mentor.”
On the planting of his 50th tree, Mr Tweedy said: Like all of us who live on York Place, The Stray is our front garden, and we are incredibly lucky to overlook such a beautiful part of Harrogate.
The cherry trees are one of the most prominent features, and, when in blossom, people come from far and wide to photograph them.
I have an excellent relationship with the borough council’s parks and gardens department, and they always let me know if any trees are in need of placement.
Whilst sadly some fall victim to mindless vandals, the majority of trees I have paid for are to replace ones that have come to the end of their lives.
