Newcastle cordons off Islington Park's 140-year-old figs to extend their life
Newcastle has cordoned off 140-year-old fig trees to protect the undergrowth plants growing beneath them.
City of Newcastle wrapped bunting around the base of dozens of Moreton Bay figs lining Maitland Road to shield the understory growth underneath. The move is part of a strategy to keep the 140-year-old trees healthy.
The 140-year-old trees have an expected life span of between 150 and 200 years. More than 50 volunteers have planted 3,500 native plants from 40 species in the area in recent years.
The trees remain in good health. Most were originally planted between 1879 and 1880 by the Wickham Municipal Council.
They survived a local environmental protest in 1935 when residents gathered to prevent their removal for a bowling club.
- 140 years old
- Tree age
- More than 50
- Volunteers
- 3,500 from 40 species
- Native plants planted
- 1879 to 1880
- Original planting year
Why it mattersThe figs are iconic heritage landmarks that define Islington Park; protecting them keeps a piece of Newcastle's history alive for future generations.
AustraliaThese trees are a local Newcastle landmark and symbol of the city's environmental heritage worth preserving.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
