Backs to the Future

The Colleges’ masterplan for the Backs, first prepared in 2007, will see over 50 new trees being planted, replacing most of the Italian alders put in as short term planting in the 1970s following the devastation of Dutch Elm disease.

Replacing with beech, oak, tulip trees and flowering dogwoods will bring much needed diversity to the tree population, reducing the risk of devastation by disease in the future.

The aim is to restore the Backs to the less formal landscape of the 1960s.

Keith Carne, Bursar of King’s College says: “The Backs are a vital part of the attraction of the City for residents and visitors alike.  We think that it is important that the Colleges and the City have a proper and imaginative plan for replanting on the Backs so that the attraction is maintained."

Donald Hearn, Bursar of Clare College and previously Secretary of the Royal Horticultural Society, says: “This is such an important part of the landscape in the heart of the City.  We are making sure the tree planting gives sufficient robustness for the next 100 years while encouraging wildlife and the right habitat for water voles”.

Before the planning application is prepared, the Colleges are holding an open meeting with Cambridge Past, Present and Future and residents associations on Tuesday 25 October in King’s College at 4.30pm, to which the public are welcome.

The leading landscape architect, Robert Myers, will be explaining his masterplan and proposals in detail.  Robert Myers has previously prepared restoration plans for Jesus Green, Histon Road Cemetery and Cherry Hinton Park in the city, and is involved as landscape architect for the CB1 project at the railway station as well as a number of projects for University departments and colleges.