Rampaging trees

Fig trees in Newcastle's Civic Park are on the rampage. These large figs planted around 1930 which give the adjoining Laman Street its character are set to be the council's number 1 enemy. We, the public, laugh at the signs and the removal of the benches. Across the park, equally large figs have lovely benches underneath.



This park with its towering trees, splashing fountain, scattered artwork and the war memorial is the location for all the end of year proms photos, weddings and even the filming of Superman 2. Carefully planted flower beds form an incomparable backdropin Newcastle. I cycle past and watch the shadows and the light playing in the branches and imagine the trees in Ent style moving slowly at night, crossing the path to the safe side of the park.