University Parks, Oxford

University Parks is located on the banks of the River Cherwel. The land was purchased by the university of Oxford from Merton College between 1853 and 1864. Professor Cyril Darlington, created the Genetic Garden to demonstrate evolutionary processes. Other features include a footbridge over the river, a lily pond, the university cricket ground and a clump of trees planted to commemorate the coronation of Elizabeth II. Several trees survive from the nineteenth century plantings, notably the Japanese Pagoda Tree planted in 1888.