Wiltshire Archaeological & Natural History Magazine, vol. 97 (2004), pp. 15-24 
Trees of Marlborough College and Environs 
by FJack Oliver 
A complete list of the tree species, including hybrids and distinctive variants, recorded between 2001 and 2002 is 
provided with indications of frequency, situation and spread. Exotics, semi-naturalised, and native species are 
considered. In the last group, diseases (especially fungal) have changed the balance of dominant species. Girth records 
are given from some exceptional trees. 
It seems probable that Marlborough College and its immediate environs have 5 (or ?more) types of tree which have 
greater girths than any similar trees elsewhere in Wiltshire. There are 2 likely British Champions; and also a Railway 
Poplar which 1s the largest yet measured anywhere. 
INTRODUCTION 
Marlborough College was founded in 1843, and by 
2003 the extent of its grounds covered 307 acres 
(124 hectares). These grounds extend to the north- 
west, west and south-west of Marlborough, but 
there are also College properties with extensive 
gardens along Hyde Lane, George Lane, and in the 
High Street in the centre of Marlborough. The 
concentrations of trees in this territory complement 
those studied in Savernake Forest (and Tottenham 
Park) to the SE of Marlborough (Oliver & Davies 
2001; Oliver 2003). For instance, Willows, Poplars, 
Yews and Ashes are a more important component of 
the tree flora in this paper, than the Oaks and Sweet 
Chestnuts of the previous two aforementioned 
studies. To the south of the A4 road, the 
Marlborough College Nature Reserve was 
established in 1972. The Nature Trail covers many 
different habitats including Ash woodlands, 
Willow concentrations, trout ponds, the River 
Kennet, wetlands and water meadows, semi-ancient 
mixed woodland and chalk downland. To the north 
of the A4, most trees (such as Cherries, both wild 
and cultivated) fringe playing field areas on the 
chalk, or have been planted in staff or College 
House gardens. However there are also some small 
copses, both wild and planted. The prehistoric 
‘Mound’ contemporary with Silbury Hill, is 
dominated by Yews, many of which started life as 
miniature hedges long before the school was 
founded. Exotic trees have been brought back by 
staff and college ‘old boys’ following travels and 
expeditions in the past, and introduced from 
commercial dealers as part of special planting 
schemes in more recent years. 
VERY COMMON AND SELF- 
PERPETUATING TREES 
Of the large species, Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and 
Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) seed profusely and 
grow into saplings wherever permitted. The third 
commonest large tree, the only self-perpetuating 
conifer, is the Yew (Jaxus baccata). Yews are 
concentrated on “The Mound’ and around ‘The 
Duelling Lawns’, but are to be found as seedlings 
and saplings elsewhere within the grounds. Five 
smaller tree species, more often than not shrubby, 
seed ubiquitously where not controlled. These are 
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna, Wiltshire’s 
commonest tree species); Hazel (Corylus avellana, 
High View, Rhyls Lane, Lockeridge, Marlborough SN8 4ED 
