The Pinetum
The Pinetum is broadly rectangular in shape and lies on a south west facing hillside that slopes down to a winter bourne. Conifers were first planted here in 1767 by the Baker family who extended the Pinetum during the 19th Century. Now covering 4 hectares, the Pinetum is owned by the University of Hertfordshire and managed by the Friends' Association.
The Pinetum is now maintained within mixed woodland and is divided into a series of open compartments with interlocking trails. There are also several mature hardwood trees within the Pinetum providing a well established woodland canopy. The open areas are kept for the planting of conifers, whilst the areas of denser vegetation are left to separate these compartments.
After the 1987 gales, the collection of conifers was reduced to only 17 genera and 42 species. In spite of these wind losses, there are still several conifers of considerable stature. These include the tallest Western Larch in Britain, stately Ponderosa Pines and fine specimens of Giant, Dawn and Coast Redwoods. Other organisations, including the National Conifer Collection at Bedgebury in Kent, Kew Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, became involved with advice, help and supply of trees for replenishing the Pinetum. With the replacement of lost trees and new plantings since, the species count now stands at over 200.
Additional features include a Viewing Mound, an open topped Grotto with a Dripping Fall and Fernery, a Chalk Dell, a Fungal Clock, a Leat, various woodland gates and a wonderful variety of wildlife.
The Pinetum is now maintained within mixed woodland and is divided into a series of open compartments with interlocking trails. There are also several mature hardwood trees within the Pinetum providing a well established woodland canopy. The open areas are kept for the planting of conifers, whilst the areas of denser vegetation are left to separate these compartments.
After the 1987 gales, the collection of conifers was reduced to only 17 genera and 42 species. In spite of these wind losses, there are still several conifers of considerable stature. These include the tallest Western Larch in Britain, stately Ponderosa Pines and fine specimens of Giant, Dawn and Coast Redwoods. Other organisations, including the National Conifer Collection at Bedgebury in Kent, Kew Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh, became involved with advice, help and supply of trees for replenishing the Pinetum. With the replacement of lost trees and new plantings since, the species count now stands at over 200.
Additional features include a Viewing Mound, an open topped Grotto with a Dripping Fall and Fernery, a Chalk Dell, a Fungal Clock, a Leat, various woodland gates and a wonderful variety of wildlife.
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In addition to the splendour of the trees, there are many wild flowers to enjoy. Some open areas are managed as flower meadows. In early spring we have a magnificent drifts of snowdrops. These beautiful little flowers were hidden for many years under a blanket of brambles and bracken. We can now enjoy their dazzling display and host a Snowdrop Walk each February. |
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Our daffodils, which have been introduced during the restoration process, are now naturalizing gently into their surroundings. We have also created a small woodland garden in one corner of the Pinetum
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In the autumn, many fascinating species of fungi can be found within the leaf litter or on the decaying wood of fallen trunks and branches, some of which we leave to encourage the fungi and insects. At this time we often have a fungal foray led by an expert in the field to help us to identify the specimens found.
Because of its mixture of trees, open spaces, meadow and natural undergrowth, the Pinetum offers a variety of habitats to many birds, bats, small land mammals, insects and reptiles, including Slow-worms. |
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The University offers a range of occasional short courses about conifers and woodlands in general. The Friends' Association is happy to offer guided walks and to 'customise' visits for a particular interest. The Clinton-Baker Pinetum offers great potential as a scientific and historical resource for all ages.
The Restoration Project
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The current initiative to restore the Clinton-Baker Pinetum was set up by our Curator, Dr Edward Eastwood, in 1994. His aim was to restore the Pinetum to its former international status and to use it as the focus for a community project.
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Our work has been mainly directed towards the replenishment and maintenance of the conifer collection for the benefit of future generations. We are keen to use the Pinetum as much as possible and in a variety of ways, especially those appropriate to it being owned by the University of Hertfordshire
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We are keen to maintain the original landscape features and as much wildlife as possible, as well as looking after, and increasing our collection of conifers. Apart from the trees, there is much of heritage value in this historic Pinetum.
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