THE HASLEMERE Society has donated a tree, planted at the intersection of Chestnut Avenue and West Street, with a special find prompting a search for potential information.

The Robinia pseudoacacia was donated after a former tree – a cherry tree donated back in 2008 – developed a rot in its trunk and collapsed during a storm in the winter of 2019.

The Haslemere Society has stepped back in, deciding it would be best to buy a mature specimen to give the tree a chance to thrive, and for the ground to be carefully prepared to ensure a long life.

After consultation, it was decided a cherry tree should again be planted on the site, and the search was on for a landscape specialist to give the tree the best possible start.

Award-winning Liphook based arboricultural and tree care specialists Transform Landscapes stepped up and offered to donate their services to the town.

Christopher Ashton- Jones of Haslemere-based royal warrant holders Sheen Botanical Labels Ltd completed the package by providing an elegant plaque, recording everybody’s contribution, and of course the Latin name for the chosen tree: “Prunus Kanzan”.

Oliver Seabright of eponymous local butchers has agreed to keep an eye on the tree and water it as needed.

When installing the plaque, it was discovered the brass plaque for the original cherry tree was underneath the 2008 plaque, and that the earlier tree had been “planted July 1977 by the visitors from West Paterson, New Jersey, U.S.A. in honour of H.M. the Queen’s Silver Jubilee”.

If anyone knows what this group was doing visiting the town, please let Chris Harrison, chairman of the Haslemere Society know by contacting info@ haslemeresociety.com