New horse chestnut tree planted in Widecombe-in-the-Moor

A new horse chestnut tree grown from a conker taken from a much-loved village tree was recently planted in Widecombe-in-the-Moor, bringing new life to a local landmark lost just a few years ago.

The original horse chestnut tree, which stood on the village green near the café, had to be felled in 2022 after it became infected with Honey Fungus, likely worsened by drought stress and heavy footfall in the area. Its loss was widely felt by villagers who had long regarded it as a familiar feature of the Dartmoor village.

But a chance decision by a visitor has created an opportunity to replace it.

In 2021, Greg Wheadon, a regular visitor to Widecombe who lived in Newton Abbot as a teenager, collected several conkers from the tree while visiting the village. He later planted them at his home in Surrey.

One of the seeds successfully germinated, prompting Greg to contact the parish council with an offer to return the young tree to its original home.

“It occurred to me to get in touch with the good people of Widecombe to see whether they were interested in taking back on the tree. I was born in the area and have always had a soft spot for Widecombe. We come here every year in holiday, and I thought it would be nice to have my tree planted back where it belongs, so we can come and check on it during our visits!”

The offer was warmly welcomed by the parish council, which organised a small planting ceremony to mark the occasion.

Greg travelled to the village in late February, and the young horse chestnut was planted in the village’s Jubilee Orchard. The orchard was created in 2022 to mark the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II, and contains around 40 varieties of traditional Devon apple trees. Parish councillors say the addition of a horse chestnut will complement the orchard and add further interest to the space.

Jane Bibby, a parish council member, said:

“This is such a lovely thing to do, and we are so grateful to Greg for nurturing this fine tree so carefully and for coming down and helping us plant it. He can rest assured it will be well looked after, and it will provide a supply of vital conkers for our local children for many years to come!”

Widecombe-in-the-Moor, located within Dartmoor, is one of the national park’s best-known villages. Its historic church of St Pancras, sometimes known as the “Cathedral of the Moor”, and its famous annual fair, celebrated in the traditional song Widecombe Fair, have long made it a popular destination for visitors.

Residents hope the newly planted tree will grow into a lasting part of the village landscape, continuing the legacy of the much-loved horse chestnut that once stood on the green.