We have 2 fabulous specimens of Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), which are situated on either side of the main pathway leading from the Ticket Office down towards the Boating Pond, just where the railway track crosses the path.

• Deciduous tree (loses its leaves in winter)

• Native to northern Greece and Albania

• First introduced and widely planted in the UK since the late 16th century

• Name probably derives from its role in horse medicine

• Has very sticky, large buds and very showy, large “candles” of flowers in spring, white with a pink eye

• Flowers are insect pollinated

• Fruit is prickly cased “conkers”, a traditional game once popular with children

• Popular as a shade and landscape tree

The nuts contain saponins which are used in the making of shampoos.