Highgate Society replace dead Yehudi Menuhin tree

A deceased tree planted by one of the finest musicians of the 20th century has been replaced.

Highgate’s so-called “Menuhin tree” was planted by violinist Sir Yehudi Menuhin in South Grove in 1986 to mark the 20th anniversary of the Highgate Society, of which he was the first chairman.

The tree has since died, and for several years, it has stood forlornly in the middle of the 271 bus terminus.

Nearly 30 years after it was first planted, Highgate Society chairman Stephen Panke replaced the dead tree with a fastigiate beech in front of a small crowd of members on Thursday.

The tree was provided by Camden Council.

Highgate vet Allan Rapley, a society member, said: “It was a shame for it to be sitting there as a dead tree and now we have restored life.”