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Horse Chestnut Candle, Bishopstone

Although not a native of Britain, the horse chestnut is one of our best-loved and most majestic of trees. Who can imagine a childhood without conkers?

The tree is very attractive in late spring with its white, tinged yellow then pink, candle-like flowers, followed by burnished “conkers” in their spiky casings. It originates from the borders of Greece and Albania and was introduced to Britain in the early 1600s.

The flowers (white or pink) form large spikes in the shape of a pyramid comprising dozens of tiny florets.

The tree is growing along the boundary of the village recreation field.