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Posted by Tony Flynn on 26th April 2011 at 04:49 PM
Oh, Fudge! Famous Salford tree pruned but saved
In February this year SalfordOnline reader Judith O' Leary contacted us to let us know that a much loved Prunus tree in Light Oaks park was under threat of being cut down.

The tree is famous for being the inspiration for local cartoonist Ken Reid's much loved series, Fudge and Speck in the Manchester Evening News.

Judith contacted Salford council's Arboricultural Officer, Paul Jones who told her that the tree had been identified in a 2007 survey as having serious decay, was in natural decline and posed a significant risk of tree failure.

A meeting was arranged in Light Oaks park with Judith and Paul where the matter was discussed, Judith explaing about the tree's significance to the area whilst Paul showed the damage to the tree and high lighted the possible dangers of branches coming down in high winds.

I visited Light Oaks Park on Sunday too see the Fudge Tree and the remedial repairs that had been carried out to it.

I am glad to report that the tree which has been severely cropped back has managed to survive and it is still recognisable as the Fudge Tree and hopefully no Elves were injured during this arborial operation.

Also new trees will be planted in the park for each tree felled including a Prunus tree near to the Fudge tree, so hopefully a happy and sensible ending.

The name Fudge tree which I mentioned earlier comes from the brilliant Salford artist, Ken Reid who lived in the Irlam O' The Heights area who was a frequent vistor to the park.

I will be doing a story on the life and career of Ken Reid who in my humble opinion was one of the greatest cartoonist's in this country, next month and hopefully introduce him to a much wider audience and give him the recognition that he so fully deserves.



Related Links

WATCH: More on the Fudge Tree click here
WATCH: A tribute to Ken Reid click here
Report as offensive or innapropriate Comment by MARY FERRER  28th April 2011
We are very lucky in Claremont to have such a lovely park, this is down to the hard work of people like Keith our parks man,Paul our tree man and Mark Wainwright. It is also down to residnets like Judith who care about the park and the area in general. Thank you Judith for getting so involved and making people listen and do something.

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