This website was inspired by Dr Emma Tristram’s written responses to the drawings of oaks in Binsted by the artist Richard Geraint Evans (see more of his stunning drawings here).
Emma’s notes form the basis for the introductory page for each of the Binsted Oaks. As envisaged by Emma, each Oak stands for a different aspect of Binsted village life.
The project arose from a crisis – the proposed Arundel Bypass currently under consultation threatens Binsted, neighbouring Tortington and Walberton, and the surrounding countryside.
The ‘Grey’ route bypass will avoid the six Oaks; they stand as symbols of the community that would be lost. I plan to post regularly a short piece of the Binsted story, its people and their history, its geography, archaeology, wildlife, the art it has inspired – everything that makes it a place worth preserving.
I’ll post about Binsted because its the village I know best – along with Tortington and nearby Walberton, it is one of three ancient Arundel villages under threat from the new road.
Emma and her husband Mike have done much to tell the story of their village over the years. In exploring its secrets here, I will be relying heavily on the research and writing of Emma, Mike and other Binsted residents, using in particular the book Binsted And Beyond (Friends of Binsted Church, 2002), and the website binsted.org.
I hope you enjoy the discovery as much as I do.
Tom
[Updated 20th October, 2020 to reflect Highways England’s ‘Grey’ route announcement]
Binsted Oaks 