THE 300th anniversary of the birth of the poet and landscape gardener who created Halesowen’s Leasowes Park has been marked with a tree planting ceremony.

The friends group and Halesowen North councillor Hilary Bills planted a large common oak in the park, which has undergone major refurbishments this year, in memory of William Shenstone.

A memorial plaque at the spot was also unveiled in honour of the horticultural pioneer, who was born on November 17 1714.

The ceremony followed a public tree planting when wardens of the Grade 1 listed site invited people to plant a tree to mark the milestone anniversary, replacing a grove of oaks, an original feature designed and planted by Shenstone himself, but which was subsequently lost.

Cllr Bills, cabinet member for environment and culture said: “This tree planting event, supported so wholeheartedly by The Friends of the Leasowes, is a fitting tribute to the vision of William Shenstone in creating this stunning landscape some 250 years ago.

“The restoration work which has been undertaken over the last few years has helped us preserve The Leasowes for future generations.”

Work is still ongoing to recreate two wetlands and the historic serpentine pool after a £30,000 grant was secured by Dudley Council in April.

Meanwhile, Halesowen Golf Club’s senior section marked the 300th anniversary with a new Shenstone trophy competition which attracted more than 50 competitors.

Section secretary David Parry said the Leasowes-based club had felt it was important to mark the birth of one of Halesowen’s most famous sons.

He said: “It was a good day. We normally have around 20 to 30 players so the Shenstone competition did attract extra players.”

Competitors could play nine or 18 holes and the scores were aggregated to find an overall trophy winner, which went to this year’s club vice captain Brian Coldrick, with other prizes for runners up.