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 – a proposed Arundel Bypass currently threatens Binsted, several other villages and the surrounding countryside.
The six Oaks stand as symbols 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, Walberton and Fontwell it is one of four Arundel villages that would be affected by the proposed 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 October 2020 to reflect Highways England’s ‘Grey’ route announcement]
[Updated March 2023: The A27 Arundel Bypass has been deferred until the 2025-2030 round of National Highways Road Investment Strategy, ‘to allow time for stakeholders views to be considered’]
Binsted Oaks 