As work moves ahead on the Northern Beaches Hospital road upgrades, a heritage pear tree removed from Warringah Road has a new lease on life at two local schools.
Brad Hazzard, Member for Wakehurst said that during the road upgrades works, a pear tree on the northern side of Warringah Road was identified as a remnant of Holland’s Orchard.
“This tree is a part of the original fabric of the Northern Beaches and I’m so pleased Roads and Maritime Services has saved some cuttings from the historic pear tree,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Although the original tree was very old and in poor condition, a number of cuttings were taken and some have now been donated to Frenchs Forest Public School in the Davidson electorate and The Forest High School in my electorate.”
In the early 1900s, Henry Green established an orchard at Frenchs Forest where he planted loquats, persimmons, lemons and other fruit trees for the community. Mr Green’s orchard, which was located on the site of the current The Forest High School, was inherited by his son-in-law, Mr John Holland, in 1906.
Jonathan O’Dea, Member for Davidson said the two pear tree cuttings were nurtured by a local nursery for several months and have now grown into healthy trees.
“I’m pleased the NSW Government has been able to donate these cuttings to our local schools so students can watch these trees grow as they do,” Mr O’Dea said.
“Students from Frenchs Forest Public School have planted a Holland’s Orchard pear tree cutting in the centre of the school’s edible garden. This will allow students, teachers and parents to admire the tree and sit under its shade for years to come.
“These students are also tending to the school’s very own orchard and fruit and vegetable garden, so we may have future agriculturalists in our midst.”
Both Mr Hazzard and Mr O’Dea thanked the community for their ongoing patience and support while work is carried out on the road upgrades.
For more information about the Northern Beaches Hospital road upgrades, visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au/nbh
