Autumn In Poole Park

Nov 25, 2023

Poole Park’s beautiful trees: tales of seasons past and present

The days are growing shorter, the air crisper and the summer’s vibrant greens have faded. In and around Poole Park fiery colours herald the arrival of autumn. This is a season of transformation when almost every tree becomes a living canvas, painting the world in its own unique and mesmerising way.

The last time I can recall UK autumn colours being as good as now was 2018. The intervening years have been rather a washout, with leaves quickly being blown to the ground by bouts of wind and rainy weather. 2023 is different, and Poole Park’s kaleidoscope of autumn colours has served as a reminder of nature’s beauty: so fleeting yet often so utterly awe-inspiring.

Swamp cypress [Taxodium distichum ‘Nutans’]

In Poole Park, one tree that really stands out for me in autumn is Taxodium distichum ‘Nutans’, otherwise known as a Swamp Cypress or Bald Cypress. It gets its name from being one of only a few conifers to lose its needles in winter.

This particular tree is impressive all year round, but especially so in the autumn when it turns an amazing reddish colour before the leaves drop. There are several specimens dotted throughout the Park, but this one, on its own, is probably the most noticeable.

Beautiful dawn redwood [Metasequoia glyptostroboides] tree in Poole Park, Dorset

Poole Park’s stunningly beautiful Swamp Cypress (or Bald Cypress) on a frosty autumn morning.

Maidenhair tree [Ginkgo biloba]

This gloriously-coloured, mature Maidenhair tree [Ginkgo biloba] is located adjacent to Westfield, at the Western Entrance Gardens.

The Maidenhair tree [Ginkgo biloba] grows right by the public conveniences at the Poole end of Poole Park. Nonetheless, it is stunningly attractive, particularly in the autumn when it is draped with beautiful, yellow leaves.

Luckily, the council has painted the outside of the lavatories blue, which works well to complement the Ginkgo tree, especially when the light is good.

The famous leaning trees of Poole Park

The Leaning Tree, Poole Park (Corsican pine)

In Poole Park, trees stand as guardians of time, their roots intertwined with the history and stories of this popular park. One such tree is this Corsican pine, aka ‘The Leaning Tree’ of Poole Park. Generations of children have climbed, hung off and jumped from its branches, including me.

Now propped up securely, the tree still thrives.

Poole Park’s ‘Leaning Tree’ at night.

Another of Poole Park’s leaning trees.

The freshwater lake at Poole Park

Amidst the tranquil ponds and meandering pathways, trees gracefully dip their elegant fronds into the water. It’s a picturesque scene that invites contemplation and reflection, even on a misty day.