Tasmania Branch: Northern Weekend – What future for our heritage trees?
We have a wonderful weekend scheduled in northern Tasmania for 30-31st May 2026. In support of our national AGHS “Trees” theme for 2026, we will explore “What Future for Our Heritage Trees?”
Saturday May 30th – visit the two heritage estates of Moreton and Clarendon We begin with morning tea at “Moreton” in Carrick. “Moreton” has a parallel but different history to its sister property “Entally” and is a private property. Extensive old oak avenues and groves complement original and later garden developments around the house which was prefabricated in India and shipped to Tasmania in the late 1820s.
Depending on the weather we will have a BYO lunch at Bishopsbourne, the site of Australia’s oldest tertiary institution, Christ College, which was established by Bishop Francis Nixon (1803–1879), Tasmania’s first Anglican bishop. Modelled after Oxford and Cambridge, at its peak 110 students studied at the College. The grounds contained a chapel, hall, library, museum, and cricket oval – where the first games of Rugby football
were played in Australia.
If the weather is inclement we will go straight to “Clarendon.” At “Clarendon” we will see the recent restoration work, including accessing parts not open to the public, as well as touring the extensive gardens to understand the National Trust’s restoration work and ongoing issues with their old trees and gardens.
Dinner on Saturday at the Launceston Club (optional)
In the evening there will be dinner at the Launceston Club. Mrs. Poppy Lyne will speak about the 8 generations of her family who have gardened at “Riccarton” near Campbelltown.
Sunday May 31st – Presentations at the Tramsheds in Launceston
There will be three presentations after morning tea.
Prof. Tim Beatley from the University of Virginia on “The Ethics of Trees”
Dr Greg Moore OAM from Melbourne University and former Principal of Burnley Agricultural College will join us in person – “Some Old Trees are Significant. All are Valuable” and “Managing For Future Heritage Trees.”
A summary of the weekend by our Chair, Ann Stark.
Following a hot lunch and a Film: “Botanical Visions; A Horticultural History of Mt Macedon in the 19th Century.”
The weekend will conclude at 3pm.
Booking Information
WEEKEND TICKET
Includes entry to the properties, garden talks, morning teas both days, dinner on Saturday night, three talks by eminent and interesting authorities, lunch on Sunday and a film. (Does not include Saturday’s lunch (BYO) and accommodation):
AGHS member $160
Non-member accompanying partner/ friend $185
AGHS member- student/trainee $100
WEEKEND TICKET minus Saturday Dinner at The Launceston Club:
AGHS member $105
Non-member accompanying partner/ friend $130
AGHS member- student/trainee $50
Book: at Trybooking.
Bookings close 22nd May 2026 at 10.00am
Cancellation and refund policy: at the discretion of event organizer.
Enquiries: Ian Sampson, event organiser, ian.r.sampson@gmail.com.