Tree of Heaven succumbs to Storm Imogen

10th February 2016

Macaw ‘Barney’ in the Tree of Heaven

Director Alison Hales commented “Unfortunately the very large ‘Tree of Heaven’ at Paradise Park was seen to be leaning over and lifting its roots on Monday during storm Imogen. It was leaning towards a path and also an aviary. My mother and Paradise Park founder Audrey Reynolds, grew the tree from a seed and it has been a fine specimen for four decades. It framed the Free Flying Bird Show from the top of the picnic lawn. It has also been a key part of the summer afternoon flying shows as the birds used it as a perch and resting place.

Sadly we had to make the decision to remove it, but we think that we may be able to leave the trunk so that the birds can still have something to perch on during the shows.”

LEFT: Nick Reynolds and staff taking down the tree.

RIGHT: Visitors take shade under the ‘Tree of Heaven’ in the summer