A BELOVED tree expert will be remembered as part of a unique project mapping Colchester’s most impressive trees and shrubs along a new 24-mile walking trail.

Dendrologist Christopher Howard died in September after a battle with cancer.

Mr Howard was a beloved member of Walk Colchester and a well-known face in Colchester, particularly for his involvement with the group’s Jane’s Walk festival.

During the festival he would impart his expertise to listeners as part of his guided walks and he also created a popular tree trail around Castle Park which has been enjoyed by many.

Before he passed, he had helped create the idea for the group’s new Trees of Note project.

The project ties in with the popular Colchester Orbital, a 15-mile walking and cycling route round the town designed with assistance from Colchester Council, Colchester Natural History Society, Colchester Ramblers, Essex Bridleways Association, Cycle Colchester and Sustrans.

A spokesman for Walk Colchester said: “Christopher, dendrologist and friend, supported this project in its infancy, and in 2020 nominated the first 11 trees in Myland where he lived and through which the Orbital West runs.

“Trees of Note is a ‘slow’ project, something lovely hopefully, and fun to create over time, testimony to the pleasure in trees Christopher gave us.”

Walk Colchester wants residents to explore the route and choose their favourite trees, young and old, and nominate them for inclusion on the final tree trail.

There’s no need to be an expert, as the group has people who can identify the necessarily details.

All nominated trees will be photographed and mapped online, with a dedicated gallery set up to display the images.

Once all the nominations are, in a final tree trail will be devised by the experts, taking in a selection of the most impressive specimens in Colchester.

Find out more about the project at www.walkcolchester.org.uk/trees-of-note or find out more about the Colchester Orbital at colchesterorbital.org.