The English elm, with its iconic figure-of-eight shape, has a rich history intertwined with famous figures like Constable, Shakespeare, and Francis Drake. Unfortunately, Dutch elm disease nearly wiped out these majestic trees in the 1970s.
In the aftermath of this devastation, efforts have been made to find disease-resistant varieties. While progress has been made, many hybrids lack the classic form of the English elm that enthusiasts adore.
A new disease-resistant elm variety is now generating excitement for its resemblance to the beloved English elm. This variety, created by Dr. David Herling and Fergus Poncia, aims to reintroduce the classic shape that defines English elms.
The journey to develop this new variety began with a shared passion for preserving elms, sparked by the sight of elms being cut down during their school days. Their innovative approach involved crossbreeding a field-resistant elm with a classic English elm.
English elms, believed to have been introduced by the Romans, have a unique history in Britain. Their wood, resistant to gribble worms, was prized for bridge construction and shipbuilding, including vessels like the Golden Hinde.
The late David Herling, a legal educator, and Fergus Poncia embarked on a mission to revive the English elm by combining expertise and a deep-rooted passion for these trees. Their collaboration led to the development of a promising new variety that honors the legacy of the classic English elm.
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