Cuttings from a pear tree which is over 100 years old will be gifted to The Forest High School today – a mark of remembrance to the history of the site.

The heritage pear tree was removed from the northern side of Warringah Road prior to work commencing for the construction of the Northern Beaches Hospital road upgrade.

Northern Beaches Council Mayor Michael Regan said the pear tree was identified as a remnant of the Holland’s Orchard – the owners of the land at the start of last century.

“This tree is historically significant as it forms part of the original fabric of the Northern Beaches and reminds us of our past.

“I’m so pleased the Roads and Maritime Services has saved some cuttings from the historic pear tree.

“Although the original tree was very old and in poor condition, a number of cuttings were taken and propagated.

“We’ve now been able to donated the surviving cuttings to local schools so we can remember our past and watch these tree get a new lease of life.” Mayor Regan said.

In the early 1900s, Henry Green established an orchard at Frenchs Forest where he planted loquats, persimmons, lemons and other fruit trees for the community. Mr Green’s orchard, which was located on the site of the current The Forest High School, was inherited by his son-in-law, Mr John Holland, in 1906.

In 2005, the local Rotary club assisted in creating a grove of pear trees at The Forest High School to commemorate the Holland Orchard, using cuttings from remnant pear trees. The additional tree will also be planted at the school.

“In addition, over 100,000 new trees will be planted across the Northern Beaches over coming years.

“We are in an enviable position of being one of the few areas within the Sydney Metropolitan area with canopy coverage greater than 50 percent, at 64.2 percent. Many council areas in Sydney have less than 20 percent urban canopy. Mayor Regan said.