Kate Bretherton is, and has been for many years, a champion for all trees around St Albans, and to mark her 80th birthday representatives of Trees of St Albans, Friends of Bernards Heath and the Civic Society are hoping to plant a new tree on Bernards Heath in celebration of her achievements. The tree will be a hornbeam, selected because it's a tree found in local ancient woodlands and was used to make the gunpowder used in the Second Battle of St Albans which took place on Bernards Heath. It’s also popular with wildlife providing early nectar for pollinators, leaves for caterpillars and seeds for birds.

We'll also plant some alder buckthorn shrubs to help the local yellow Brimstone Butterflies, as well as also having a historical link to gunpowder making.

Not only will this be a fitting recognition of Kate's invaluable work to date, but also add to the beauty and wildlife value of this popular local green space.

We have calculated that a standard hornbeam tree from a local supplier, suitable protection and a few small alder buckthorn shrubs will cost about £1000. We hope that you’ll want to contribute towards this project, not just to celebrate Kate’s great work over 80 years, but also to boost wildlife and as something for all to enjoy in this popular public space.

If we are successful in our appeal, the tree and shrubs will be planted on Wednesday, 18th November. 2026 at 11am on Bernard’s Heath, Upper Field and we would be delighted if you could join us.