Public Access

Places currently marked as open to the public in the live place records.

154 places

Collection note

This collection groups places that share something in common. It is not a step-by-step outing, so use the map and each place page before you travel.

Giant Sequoia

All Saints Church

Purleigh · Essex

Here in All Saints church Purleigh stand two Giant Redwood (Tree Nos. 1 & 2) and a Dawn Redwood (Tree No. 3). One of the Giant Redwood trees (Tree No. 1) is shown in the photographs above and stands tall and proud, a picture of health. The branches missing on one side are due to other trees that were growing beside it until fairly recently. This is a natural phenomenon where the tree discards its branches when shaded. No doubt in order to conserve energy for rocketing skyward. The other Giant Redwood (Tree No. 2), in the photographs below, became a stark reminder of these trees' most fearsome enemy - lightning strikes. Many of Britain's Giant Redwoods will have suffered lightning damage at some time in their long lives - it is just one of the hazards for any tall tree. Usually they will simply suffer a frazzled top and perhaps a burn mark down the trunk, but they soon recover and continue venturing upward once again. This time, things were a little different! It looks as though an immense blast had hit this tree, and as you can see in the 2005 picture, it left us with very little of the original. It had been tidied and made safe by a firm of arboriculturists. There was still plenty of green foliage on the remaining one third or so of the tree and this looked in good health, but its future had been the subject of some debate in Purleigh Parish council in September 2003. The strike happened on Monday 11th August 2003. A very black Monday indeed and yet, as you can see in the photographs below, the tree recovered and was still growing vigorously sixteen years later in 2019.

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Giant Sequoia +2

All Saints Church

Worlingham · Suffolk

In 2019 Duane sent the photograph below of a Giant Redwood " spotted at Worlingham All Saints parish church. My daughter was very happy, it was the first large redwood she had stood right next to, plus the ground was covered in cones so we took a dozen to see if we can grow our own. Elevation 66 feet N 52.45231 E 1.59669 Estimated height 20-22 meters trunk at 1.5 metres, girth 4.1 metres. " Thanks Duane, good luck with your seed sowing. I know how fantastic it is having a Redwood of your own that you've grown from a tiny seed.

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Giant Sequoia +2

All Saints church

Shipdham · Norfolk

In 2019 these two Dawn Redwood had both grown considerably after having been originally spotted by us in 2012. One of the pair has slowed down its vertical growth, and appears to be quite stunted or scrawny in its top third. Taking a closer look, it's evident that one of the branches has grown back across the trunk, perhaps this is abrading the trunk in the wind and causing the effect that we can see quite clearly in the photograph. It certainly explains the lush voluminous growth below that point, and the inadequate growth above. In any case it is usual to remove branches that rest against other branches or the trunk of a tree.

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Giant Sequoia

Back Lane Car Park

Rochford · Essex

Take a close look in the Back Lane car park in Rochford, and huddled against the Dolphin House building you will see this unexpected delight. Not the prettiest example, this one has suffered the ravages of time. At about second story height the main trunk splits into two. Whether this is the result of a lightning strike many years ago, or the failed attempt by someone to halt the tree's growth I have no idea. The latter may well be the truth, since this tree is only a distance of a metre or two from the building! It has suffered a little, though, over recent years. It looks as though someone has hacked away at the lower branches, seemingly in an attempt to give it the shape of an apple tree! Still, on a more positive note they have removed most of the awful tree-creeping plant that was spoiling the lovely trunk. Nevertheless, it is still a Giant Redwood, and will therefore persevere, and probably outlive us all.

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Giant Sequoia

Barking Park

Barking · Essex

This very young specimen was planted in January 2002 by Barking Council to create a future focal point in Barking Park. It looks a little sparse at the moment and is surrounded by a few dead tree stumps, but Giant redwoods are real survivors, so hopefully this one will in time thrive and mature into a wonderful landmark visible for miles. Well done to Barking Council for an excellent choice of specimen tree. On a brief visit in 2010 it was good to see this young tree in good health, having put on weight in foliage. I have noticed that young trees often suffer a bit of a setback for several years when they are first planted. This should give encouragement to anyone who is concerned about their young Giant Redwood saplings. By the way, the "dead tree stumps" in the background were obviously still very much alive after their drastic haircuts in 2005!

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Giant Sequoia +2

Bell Meadow and Central Park

Chelmsford · Essex

A location in Chelmsford, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. The Giant Redwood situated beside the River Can in the middle of the town is leaning at quite an angle but those who know the steadfast nature of Sequoias will not be alarmed. In fact the top is starting to resume its vertical growth. Central Park was previously called Chelmsford Recreation Ground. A lovely walk by the river can be enjoyed through to Admiral's Park but beware of speeding, tumbling cyclists who try to blame you for dangerously walking on the path!

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Giant Sequoia +2

Beth Chatto Gardens

Elmstead Market · Essex

Beth Chatto Gardens celebrates it's 50th year on 2010 and so the Dawn Redwoods (one of them shown on the right in the above photograph) must have been planted very early in the garden's history. The original site was an overgrown wasteland with poor soil and it has been transformed into a lovely garden containing very many interesting and unusual plants. Many thanks to Chris for a very informative walk around the gardens. Beth Chatto Gardens offer a range of courses and guided tours throughout the year.

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Giant Sequoia +1

Bishops Palace Gardens

Chichester · Sussex

Not only does Bishops Palace Gardens have a fine example of Giant Redwood, it also has a superb Dawn Redwood tree ( Metasequoia glyptostroboides ), the trunk of which shows the classic shape of its type with twisted and fluted form in surprising contrast to its delicate and neatly shaped foliage. The garden is located in the heart of Chichester in Canon Lane off South Street and has a lovely view of the nearby cathedral, as can be seen in the background in the pictures of the Giant Redwood. A great place to enjoy your cucumber sandwiches and lashings of ginger beer on a sunny day!

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Giant Sequoia +2

Blenheim Park

Leigh-on-Sea · Essex

A location in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. It was great to find this tree again, there is always a buit of uncertainty whether or not young trees are going to make it. This one was planted by Sheemul back in November 2012 and it is featured on the Tall Tales pages. It's surrounding by several metres of dense bushes - usually I might expect them to be taking the moisture out of the ground to the detriment of the tree, but this Redwood seems to be thriving so perhaps the bushes are instead protecting the ground around the roots from the fierce sun in the Summer. Wandering around the rest of the park, it was good to see that there has been a fair number of other new trees planted some with tags giving their names. No more Redwoods though.

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Giant Sequoia

Brackley Park

Brackley · Northamptonshire

This idyllic little bit of England boasts three Giant Redwoods. Two were planted in Victorian times but one is a far more recent addition to this little park. At first sight, it could easily be mistaken for some other variety of tree because its shape is so untypical of a very young Wellingtonia. One would normally expect an uncrowded tree like this to have branches all the way to the ground, forming a continuing conical shape. On closer inspection, however, it is obvious that those who look after this park have cut away all the lower branches. Strange as it may seem, it looks as though the other two trees have benefitted from the attention of children; perhaps they were the ones that pulled away the dreaded ivy that afflicts so many less fortunate Giant Redwood trees. Brackley Park can be found along side the High Street. A nice spot for a picnic on a warm summer day.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Braemar Gardens

Hereford · Herefordshire

A dull day weather-wise but not so for Redwood discoveries in Herefordshire. This collection of ten young Wellingtonia trees were planted by the current owner of the nearby house. He was not surprised to hear that they have been planted rather close to each other as he had been thinking about thinning them out for some time. It seems a shame to cut down healthy young trees but sacrificing a few will allow the remaining ones more space to grow without cramping each other so much. The heights of the trees was between 6 and 8 metres in 2008.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Campton & Shefford Cemetery

Shefford · Bedfordshire

Two Wellingtonia stand either side of the gates of Campton & Shefford Cemetery. The difference in the colour of the foliage between these two trees can be most clearly seen in the second two photographs. Tree no. 1 has a definite blue tint, whereas Tree no. 2 is vivid green. Tree no. 2 has lost most of its branches down one side, perhaps another tree or another obstruction once stood nearby. Nevertheless they form a majestic entrance to the cemetery.

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Coast Redwood +1

Colchester Cemetery

Colchester · Essex

The Colchester Medical Society celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2024. It is the oldest provincial medical society in the country. Their emblem is the Rhino - selected for its thick skin. They wanted to plant two trees in Colchester to mark the occasion and because Redwoods are thought to have the thickest bark, they decided it was appropriate to choose these trees. I was pleased to donate the Coast and Dawn Redwood which they had planted at Colchester cemetery in October 2024 with the help of the council employees. The latter did a superb job with the planting after having had a epic struggle getting them out of their pots. A saw had to be taken to the pots as can be seen in the photograph of the Coast Redwood. The weather on the morning of the tree planting event was calm and sunny so they couldn't have chosen a better day for the ceremony. A friendly, cheerful atmosphere, great weather and Redwood trees - what more could one ask for!

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Giant Sequoia +2

Dagnam Park

Harold Hill · Essex

A location in Harold Hill, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. A brisk walk from the entrance of Dagnam Park at Settle Road, a lone Wellingtonia stands in the middle of a large field. This tree is mentioned on the Dagnam Park - remembered page of the Friends of Dagnam Park web site. On this site you can also find out much more about this park, which was once part of a large estate owned by Richard Neave in the 18th century. The second tree stands in a rather confined location in the middle of a clump of other trees, a little way off from the main tree. It has suffered some damage over the years, as can be seen from the photograph, but is nonetheless soldiering on. The park certainly appears to have be plagued over recent years by various forms of vandalism. The society was set up " on the 2nd May 2003 when a whole lot of angry Harold Hill people sat in the audience bursting to have their say about the way their enjoyment of the park had been destroyed by a handful of anti-social illegal motorcyclists. "

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Giant Sequoia +2

Eastwood Park

Eastwood · Essex

A location in Eastwood, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. This young tree stands in Eastwood Park and looks to be doing extremely well. Bonnie lives within sight of the tree and she sent the above August 2025 photograph. Bonnie said "It's a beautiful tree and it's doing well. It's grown a lot in the five years we've lived here."

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Giant Sequoia +2

Effingham Park Hotel

Copthorne · Surrey

A location in Copthorne, Surrey, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Effingham Park Hotel in West Park Road boasts a wonderfully varied collection of Giant Redwood (Wellingtonia) scattered across its sprawling grounds. They range from the tiny new examples in the car park that are just a couple of metres high, through the medium-sized tree at nearly fifteen metres tall, to the massive ones (by U.K. standards) up to thirty-seven metres high. There are five of the larger trees arranged in a mini avenue alongside the golf course.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Erddig Country Park

Wrexham · Denbighshire

A location in Wrexham, Denbighshire, Wales featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Erddig Country Park is part of the Erddig Hall estate and has many Wellingtonia of different ages and sizes. Some of the larger ones are beginning to burst through their fence surrounds! It is good to see that time and trouble has been taken to build wooden fences around the trees to protect them the attention of large animals, and that several new Redwoods have been planted over the last decade or so. As well as the thirty one listed here there is also an avenue of Giant Redwoods near the entrance and a return visit is necessary in the future to record these.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Gloucester Park

Gloucester · Gloucestershire

A location in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. There are two Dawn Redwood in the car park between the bowling green and the cricket pitch next to Gloucester Park. It was difficult to take a photograph of the two without including quite a few cars and other trees.

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Coast Redwood

Gobions Wood

Brookmans Park · Hertfordshire

The woods contain a relatively rare abundance of Coast Redwoods and just two Giant Redwoods, the latter are located either side of a path, perhaps at the start of a grand entrance to the estate in days gone by. The twelve Coast Redwoods are situated either side of the stream. Many fallen trunks littering the woodland floor give the impression that fairly strong winds must whistle through this 42 acre wood. Fallen trees have been left on the ground over many decades, giving Gobions wood a slightly eerie feel of a place that time forgot. It is interesting to note that, aside from where they were undercut by the stream, the Redwoods seem to survive the ferocious winds far better than the other types of tree. Although the Coast Redwoods must enjoy the constant source of nearby water, there are a couple that have fallen where the water line has shifted towards the tree and has eroded the soil beneath them. One looks precariously close to toppling into the stream (September 2009). It is likely that when they were planted they had plenty of room, so it is worth bearing in mind that a stream will meander over the decades or centuries. It is a shame that the large trees are lost but Coast Redwoods do not give up even after losing their trunk, as can be seen in the first photograph. Beside the bridge, a fallen trunk lies, yet sprouting from the remains of the stump there are several new shoots.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Grays Park

Lower Foyers · Inverness-shire

A location in Lower Foyers, Inverness-shire, Scotland featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. A very unexpected find! Here are two of four Giant Redwood in Lower Foyers. They were discovered while driving to find the old and new power stations. Near to a road called Grays Park these four trees are surrounded by other trees and vegetation. Foyers Falls can be found nearby. It was barely a trickle in 2022, maybe the hydro-electric scheme has taken away some of its drama, added to a low rainfall in this year.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Groe Park

Builth Wells · Brecknockshire, Powys

A location in Builth Wells, Brecknockshire, Powys, Wales featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Two Giant Sequoia stand either side of the entrance to the car park, while two others can be found straddling the exit in The Strand. It is said that the trees were planted to commemorate Buffalo Bill's visit in May 1904.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Havering Park

Havering-atte-Bower · Essex

A location in Havering-atte-Bower, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. This really is Redwood Heaven. Around 100 or so Giant Redwoods, of about 140 years old, many of them in a huge avenue, the rest spread across many acres of woodland. They are in Havering Park, which was landscaped by the Macintosh family who planted the avenue of Redwoods leading to their mansion. The mansion fell into disrepair and, sadly, was demolished in 1925. However, their lasting legacy has been this wonderful collection of trees.

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Coast Redwood +1

Hyde Park

Knightsbridge · London

One of these three Dawn Redwood stands at the easterly end of the Serpentine, while the other two can be found inside the Dell. They are all fenced off from the public and growing well in their position near to the vast expanse of water. The lake was created in 1730 for Queen Caroline, wife of George II. It seems hard to believe that there are no Giant or Coast Redwoods planted in a park of such a size. Surely a few at least would be a welcome addition to any self-respecting London park. Think of all the nasty carbon they could absorb from the air of surrounding streets.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Kelvedon Park

Kelvedon · Essex

A location in Kelvedon, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. The large Giant Redwood is easily visible from the A12. It is rather cramped by two adjacent pines so it is not as nice a shape as it could be. Also in the same grounds are two fine examples of Coast Redwood, two very young Dawn Redwoods and most important of all, a baby Giant Redwood of just 2 metres high. It is good to know that there are still some people managing grounds, such as this, who are imaginative enough to seek out special trees like these.

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Coast Redwood

Kew Gardens

Richmond · Surrey

Among the young trees that have been planted near the Treetop Walkway in Kew Gardens are a Giant and a Coast Redwood. The Giant Redwood stands near the base of the stairs and lift, growing beside a large fallen tree trunk, and is almost 4 metres high. The Coast Redwood is nearly 2.5 metres high and is leaning rather badly in January 2010, hopefully this will be straightened before it gets much taller. A nearby plaque states: " This is a coastal redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ), the tallest living things on Earth. The biggest stretch 115m into the sky - can you imagine climbing six and a half times higher than Kew's Xstrata Treetop Walkway? " Coast Redwood

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Giant Sequoia +2

Maldon Cemetery

Maldon · Essex

There are three large Wellingtonia in the Maldon cemetery, just off the London Road. There were four until some time ago when one succumbed to a lightning strike, as can be seen in the picture below, supplied by Mick the gardener. Sadly it eventually had to be cut down. It looks as if they may originally have been planted in the four corners of the cemetery, although the cemetery has grown somewhat since then! While they are all good examples, one is a particularly fine specimen, and makes a rather superb picture with the old house beside it. This can be seen in the first picture above.

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Dawn Redwood

Marshalls Park

Braintree · Essex

Marshalls Park holds this example of Dawn Redwood ( Metasequoia glyptostroboides ). Curiously though, although it has a typical, well-formed profile from one direction, viewed from the side it appears to be rather lacking in branches. Perhaps there were once other trees nearby. * * * Update - November 2011 * * * On a return visit to re-measure this tree, a closer inspection revealed that it is in fact a Swamp Cypress ( Taxodium distichum ). My excuse (if I need one) for the mistaken identity is that this was one of the first "Dawn Redwoods" to be found by Redwood World before we had become a little more astute at spotting the differences . Those differences do need a close-up look and the things to look for are that Swamp Cypress have leaves that are not alternately opposed, a trunk much less fluted and knarled, and a more overall feathery type appearance that probably accounted for the comment about the lack of branches in 2005.

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Giant Sequoia

Newton Road

Sudbury Cemetery · Suffolk

The Giant Redwood nearest to the entrance of Sudbury cemetery may have been struck by lightning at some stage as it is rather short, but is still growing strong. As is often the way, other branches have taken a swerve upwards to compensate for the loss of the top. The second Giant Redwood is a lovely shape, with branches stretching down to the ground. Unfortunately it has a lot of creeper climbing up the trunk which is spoiling the overall look of the tree. When the photograph was taken as much as possible of the vine was removed, but sadly there was not time to finish the job and so the girth could not be measured. Thanks to Tim who sent us some interesting information about the broken tree, " This Wellingtonia suffered in 2001 during the severe gales that year. The tree as seen is after almost half the tree fell in these gales. I was living in the cemetery lodge (called Flint Lodge) at the time the top of the tree landed some six or eight feet from the house. The main cause was that the core of the tree was rotten my father who was a professional horticulturalist and keen arboriculturalist reckoned it had been struck by lightning and rotted from the ingress of water into the trunk as a result. The Vines exacerbated this situation depriving the tree of some sustenance. By the way, the noise when it fell was enough to waken the dead, but thankfully they slumbered on. " We hope this might act as a warning to others about removing that dreaded ivy! Not much can be done about the lightning and strong gales, of course, but glad to hear there were no casulties or damage to the house from the falling part of the tree. It must have been some sight but no doubt happened during the "dead" of night, as seems usual with these kind of events. (nb. Wherever there is a Giant Redwood, it will often be the tallest thing around and will take the full force of any lightning strike, so perhaps those living close by should really be grateful for this!)

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Giant Sequoia +2

Nicholas Everitt Park

Oulton Broad · Suffolk

A location in Oulton Broad, Suffolk, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. This was a surprise discovery of two Redwood trees and a Swamp Cypress (which I had mistaken for a Coast Redwood from a distance, both having a similar overall shape) near the bandstand in Nicholas Everitt Park in 2017.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Nowton Park

Bury St Edmunds · Suffolk

A location in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. The 200 acre park sits on the edge of Bury St Edmunds and was part of the Oakes family estate until 1985. It is now owned by St Edmundsbury Borough Council. The lime tree avenue was planted in 1880 and 2,500 hornbeam trees make up over two miles of hedging at the popular maze. Interestingly the maze can be seen quite clearly on Google Earth, although a section of it is in the shadow of a large tree or two.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Oaklands Park

Chelmsford · Essex

A location in Chelmsford, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Hidden behind the Chelmsford Museum in Oaklands Park (if it is possible to hide them!) are three Giant Redwoods. We first visited in 2004 and found three trees (one around twenty years old) near to the children's play area. On another visit in 2018 we found a new young specimen with a good stout guard had been planted on the front lawn fairly near to the entrance of the park.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Park Road

Hessett · Suffolk

A location in Hessett, Suffolk, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Tucked in a narrow strip of woodland alongside Park Road stand four Giant Redwood. Viewed from a nearby footpath the Giants don't really stand out well from the other pines growing along side them. Their distinctive nature is more obvious when viewed from up close.

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Giant Sequoia

Petworth Park

Petworth · Sussex

Thanks to Luke for sending this photograph of a Giant Redwood in Petworth Park. Luke says it is " not too wide at the bottom and probably about 5m girth, you will notice it has a very blatant bend in the trunk. " The people sitting at the base of the trunk illustrate the scale of these trees. It is interesting that there are so few branches on the lower part of the trunk. It is possible that in past decades the tree was crowded with undergrowth, this would cause the Giant Redwood to drop its lower branches.

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Giant Sequoia

Ponsbourne Park

Newgate Street · Hertfordshire

An early evening stroll through the woods in late Summer was rewarded with the discovery of these two fine specimens of Wellingtonia. It is possible there may be more but time did not permit any further exploration. Perhaps someone else may venture a little further towards Ponsbourne Park Hotel and let us know what they find. A resident of the area thought that there may be an avenue of redwoods on the estate, it would be nice to have this confirmed.

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Giant Sequoia

Promenade Park

Maldon · Essex

This young Giant Redwood tree stands in front of the Maldon District Museum which is just inside the gates of Promenade Park. The label states that this is one of six Giant Redwoods bought in a batch, so the question is where are the other five? In August 2011 this one was looking a little sorry for itself, being a little browned over much of its foliage and a bit droppy at the top. I have often noticed this in the first few years of planting out a Redwood, so hoped it would recover over the next few years and begin some vigorous growth. Low and behold! In July 2012, nearly one year later (after a lot of rain), this Wellingtonia was looking much healthier and by 2014 onwards it really started to flourish. Maldon Museum is situated in the Park Keeper's house and is open April to October: Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays at 2pm to 5pm, Sundays & Bank Holidays at 11am to 5pm and is worth a visit. Giant Redwood - June 2014 August 2011 Giant Redwood - July 2012 Giant Redwood - July 2012 Common Names and Latin Name

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Giant Sequoia +2

Rock Park

Llandrindod Wells · Radnorshire, Powys

A location in Llandrindod Wells, Radnorshire, Powys, Wales featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Two Giant Sequoia, one being a very young specimen, can be found in this delightful glade, complete with stone bridge and tumbling stream. You may find this hard to believe but this idyllic haven can be found in the middle of a busy town.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Royal Botanic Garden

Edinburgh · Lothian

A location in Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Thanks to Tam for these photographs of three Dawn Redwoods in Edinburgh Royal Botanical Gardens. Tam wrote he "was visiting relations in Edinburgh today and went for a walk through the Royal Botanical Garden. Some wonderful trees are there including 3 Dawn redwoods I found next to the glass house, in the foreground there is a spectacular fossilised tree. It is a great place to visit and I kept my eyes on the skyline for any sequoias, could not see any, too big an area for a short visit, but I was happy to find a Japanese Red cedar planted in 1968." The above three pictures show the Japanese Red cedar, a nice view, and a Cedar. Although this is primarily a web site for Redwoods, there is always room for pictures of other trees.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Saffron Walden Cemetery

Saffron Walden · Essex

A visit to the cemetery in Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden will reveal three fine Wellingtonia. If you have the opportunity to visit the town, take time to have a wander in the cemetery, then have a relaxing stroll around the town - there is plenty to see in this historic place. You may also find the grass maze if you walk across the park. A sign beside it proudly boasts it to be "The largest publicy-owned turf cut maze in England". Its earliest date is unknown, but 15 shillings was paid in 1699 for re-cutting this 35 meter diameter maze.

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Giant Sequoia

Saint Michael's Church

Framlingham · Suffolk

One of the nicest examples of Wellingtonia can be found in the grounds of the church of Saint Michael in Framlingham. Just a short walk from the market square, this historic church holds many interesting features, including the ornate tombs of notable people going back through many centuries. The oldest is that of Thomas Howard, 3rd duke of Norfolk. Thomas died in 1554, a year after the chancel was rebuilt. He was a rather fortunate man, since although in 1547 king Henry VIII had ordered that he was to be executed, the king died the night before the event was due and so Thomas managed to hang on to his head for another seven years. Coincidence? Perhaps not... The most notable feature of the church, however, is the Giant Redwood in the graveyard. This fine example has a nice shape, and although quite close to a Yew, is not cramped by the surrounding trees. If you are passing, and have time, I can recommend stopping for a pot of tea at the cafe in the market square, then a wander around the church and the tree, followed by a walk to the ruins of Framlingham castle. This tree added .18m (7inches) to its girth in four years, comparing the two measurements in 2004 and 2008

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Giant Sequoia +2

St Margaret's Church

Downham · Essex

Situated near the top of a hill, in the church cemetery in Downham (close to Wickford), this proud example presides over a fine view of the surrounding countryside. Although a little ragged and sparse in its lower branches, it makes up for this with a fine, full crown - and has not suffered any significant lightning damage up on top. Best seen in the late evening on a sunny day, when the sunlight makes the ample trunk glow serenely, complementing the church building admirably.

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Dawn Redwood

St Mary the Virgin Church

Dedham · Essex

In the grounds of the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, along the High Street in Dedham, you will find this lovely Dawn Redwood ( Metasequoia glyptostroboides ). Though not as massive and majestic as the Giant Redwood, the Dawn Redwood is an elegant and pleasing tree to the eye - and this one is certainly a marvellous example of it kind. The Dawn Redwood is unusual for a conifer, in that it loses its leaves in the Winter - they turn a superb orange colour in the autumn prior to falling.

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Dawn Redwood

St Mary's church

Sturminster Newton · Dorset

A visit was paid to see this Giant Redwood thanks to the mention of a Wellingtonia behind St. Mary's church on the Dorset Online Parish Clerks website. A fabulous tree, it has obviously not been crowded by other trees during its growth, so its lush foliage extends right to the ground like a grand cloak. This is one of the great things about these trees, they look superb with branches extending to the ground, but equally stunnning when their trunk is exposed displaying the rich cinnamon-coloured bark and graceful yet sturdy buttress shape. As the photograph shows, the lower branches really do have a peculiar pre-historic feel about them when you stand within the foliage amongst their downward arching shapes. You have to be there to get the full effect! As a bonus, in a garden adjacent to the churchyard stands a relatively young Dawn Redwood.

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Giant Sequoia +2

St Nicholas church

Harpenden · Hertfordshire

Two Giant Sequoia stand in St. Nicholas churchyard just a few yards from the High Street. A few hundred yards North another great treasure of Harpenden can be found in the form of The Nickey Line . This is a disused railway line closed in the 1960s which has become a superb 7 mile walk and cycle trail connecting Harpenden with Hemel Hempstead. Look out for the surviving platform and signal post at Roundwood Halt, and the marvellous bridge that carries Ambrose Lane over the line, with its arches within arches.

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Giant Sequoia +2

St. John the baptist church

Elmore · Gloucestershire

This Giant Redwood stands in the graveyard of the church in Elmore. It was starting to suffer a little from ivy or tree creeper invasion, but otherwise seems in very good health. This church is also noted for the remains of an 18th century mausoleum. It is fenced off to protect it, but has been allowed to become overgrown with brush and tree branches. Sadly much of the mausoleum has gone now but there are the four pillars still standing. These are worth seeing for the quality of the construction, with accurately cut stone blocks laid very precisely, the workmanship is worthy of the stonework in the finest cathedrals.

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Giant Sequoia +2

St. Leonard's Church

Heath and Reach · Bedfordshire

A Coast Redwood stands at the entrance to the St. Leonard's Church hall, close to the Giant Redwood next door in the garden of Wellington House. The Coast Redwood has several stems, which is not unusual for these trees. It would be interesting to know if the two trees had been planted at the same time. A corner of the cemetery is being developed as a wildlife haven and a plaque reads: " This area was planned and created with the help of the children of St. Leonard's Heath and Reach VA (voluntary aided) Lower School ".

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Giant Sequoia +2

St. Mary's Church

Holton St Mary · Suffolk

A chance encounter with this Wellingtonia in Holton St. Mary happened to coincide with two bike rides that were taking place that day - the 34th Suffolk Historic Churches bike ride and also the Colchester to Hadleigh and Raydon bike ride. Luckily we arrived before the police closed the road, so were able to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea, a delicious piece of cake and a chat with some very friendly locals at St. Mary's church before the hoards of cyclists arrived.

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Giant Sequoia +1

Stowe Landscape Gardens

Buckingham · Buckinghamshire

It was clear from the start that a visit to Stowe Gardens would take longer than the hour that had been allocated. One of the two Giant Sequoia here has had its top removed but is growing on regardless and can be found fairly near to the tea room. The other is situated past the house, towards the lakes and although it is in better condition, unfortunately it has an abundance of ivy and tree creeper on its trunk. It was surprising to see a tree being spoiled in this way, in otherwise immaculately kept grounds, but perhaps there hasn't yet been time to remove this blight. A Dawn Redwood stands in the middle of the golf course with a plaque below it that reads: " R.G.G. 1907 - 1972. " Stowe Landscape Gardens are owned by the National Trust and were restored in the 1990's. The 18th century landscape park is full of radial paths that lead to elaborate temples and lakes. These temples are quite extrodinary and rather unexpected. During a walk through the grounds one is confronted by little bits of ancient greek style follies. This adds a good deal of fascination to a walk through a beautiful English landscape.

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Giant Sequoia +2

Town Park

Harlow · Essex

A location in Harlow, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Two young Giant Redwood are growing in the park off School Lane. As can be seen from the photograph, they have lush foliage with branches right down to the ground. They are obviously in fine health and well suited to the ground conditions.

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Giant Sequoia +1

Town Park

Halesworth · Suffolk

It was only meant to be a stop in the market town of Halesworth for an ice-cream and a stroll in their park, so spotting both a Giant and a Coast Redwood was a bonus! The Coast Redwood ( Sequoia sempervirens ) is comprised of multiple stems, seemingly from ground level. The base was very crowded so it was difficult to see how that had occurred, but it is possible that a larger tree had been cut down and being the tenacious tree that it is, it has bounced back throwing up around six or eight shoots (something peculiar to Coast Redwoods, most pine trees will die after being cut to ground level). It will be interesting to see how it progresses over the next ten years or so. The Giant Redwood ( Sequoiadendron giganteum ) has a nice fullsome shape but a certain percentage of the foliage was suffering from yellowing. I have noted this in other Giant Redwood trees over the decades, and on subsequent visits the effect had vanished. Another reason for a return visit in future years.

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Tring Memorial Gardens

Tring · Hertfordshire

Thanks to Alison who sent the above photograph. She says " I just stumbled upon your site, so I thought I would tell you about some more redwoods that I know of that are not on your list. There is a big one in the Tring Memorial Gardens. p.s. not a redwood spotter especially, but who could resist them! " Great picture Alison, and thanks for the other sightings in Hockeridge Woods and near Taplow Court too. You may not have been a redwood spotter but, be warned, it is quite addictive once you start!

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United Reform Church

Great Dunmow · Essex

Towering above the United Reform Church in New Street, Great Dunmow, is this Giant Redwood. This nice example of the tree has had a seat built around it. I wonder how long it will be before the tree outgrows the seat! Great Dunmow is an ancient town in the north of Essex whose greatest claim to fame is probably the Dunmow Flitch Trials. This is an ancient custom dating back to 1104 whereby a couple that can demontrate that they are still happily married after twelve months and one day will be rewarded with a side of bacon. Not the best town to be born a pig.

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Giant Sequoia

University Parks

Oxford · Oxfordshire

Oxford University Parks has a varied range of trees spaced around large and well-manicured grassed fields. The main interest to us, however, is the eight Giant Redwoods. Seven can be found on the West Walk, six of which were planted in about 1888 and one in 1972. It is worth noting that these are not particulary large examples for their age, and this demonstrates how difficult it can be to determine the age of a tree by its size. The rate of growth of a tree is dependant on the conditions in which it was planted, and these examples have been in fairly poor soil; this is explained on the Oxford University Parks website: "The soil over most of the area is thin and overlies river gravel. This has had a great effect on the size of many of the trees, which, particularly in the open areas to the west, do not appear to have attained their full potential. This is apparent in the group of Wellingtonias..." Nevertheless, they are a nice group of trees in a beautiful setting, and are perfect for students to laze under and revise in the shade on a hot July day. As lovely as these trees are, one can clearly see the difference that more suitable conditions can make to their growth by comparing the young Giant Redwood on the South Walk, where there is obviously a better supply of moisture in the summer. This stunningly healthy specimen has the full lush growth that one would expect from these magnificent trees when conditions are ideal.

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Vinters Park Crematorium

Maidstone · Kent

A location in Maidstone, Kent, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Thanks to John for supplying more sightings of Redwoods in Bearsted Road, Kent. We appreciate the weather in December is not always ideal for photographs, but the picture of the Giant Sequoia, (mentioned by John as a potential future champion), shows the silhouette outline of a mature tree very well and is a good comparison with the Coast Redwood shape. We have often found Redwoods easier to spot by their silhouette on dull days in the winter. John says, " I've been out on Boxing Day and found some real gems in Maidstone. I've attached some pics of coast and giant redwoods in Maidstone crematorium, opposite Notcutts (Garden Centre). I only took 3 pictures but they don't do the trees justice. There are 3 lovely coasts and 4 giants. The Coast redwood (in the above picture) - girth at 1.5m above ground 3.75m height estimated 80 foot plus the other 2 coasts are similar in height and girth. The large giant redwood was not possible to measure at time but I think we will have a future champion with this tree. I know it will be at least 6m in girth and will measure it in the summer. It lost its top 2 years ago and I was told it was then 120 foot plus. But the top is growing again and it looks healthy. It's about 70 foot high now. There is another young giant redwood that I took a picture of that looked nice - about 30 foot high. I also found some awesome dawn redwoods in a church by the river, but I didn't have my camera. And there is a young giant redwood at Bluewater shopping centre. " Looking forward to more information and pictures in the better weather John, Maidstone sounds very promising for redwood spotting and, something we have learnt to our cost, never leave home without your camera!

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Weald Country Park

Weald · Essex

Tucked over the far side of the fields at Weald Country Park are three Giant Redwoods. A herd of cows can sometimes be found munching serenely among these giants in the Summer, although fortunately they don't find the trees' foliage at all appetising! Near the Visitor Center off Lincolns lane, there is also a group of three Dawn Redwood ( Metasequoia glyptostroboides ). Two look to be in excellent condition, but one poor straggler looks decidedly stunted, being very short and quite untidy in shape. A further two Giant Redwoods can be found via the Sandpit Lane entrance, nestled amongst other trees. Weald Country Park was once a deer park, used for hunting by the Abbots of Waltham around 1063. These were re-introduced in 1987, the deer that is, not the Abbots. It has also been the site of a hall and gardens, but is now 550 acres of mixed woodlandand grassland, with two lakes that were created in the 18th Century by damming a small tributary of Weald brook. You can find out more about Weald Country Park on Brentwood Council's website

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Giant Sequoia +2

Weavers Park

Braintree · Essex

A location in Braintree, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. Three Wellingtonia stand in Weaver's Park, across the other side from the skateboard area. There are two large ones, one is on the grassed area and one is just inside the wooded area some forty metres away. In between the two, also on the grass, is a very young Giant Redwood of approximately three or four years old in 2009. Sadly the Giant Redwood in the wooded area is rather infested with tree creeper and ivy, perhaps some kind soul could set to it with a sharp pair of secateurs as I had forgotten mine on my visit.

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Westonbirt Arboretum

Westonbirt · Gloucestershire

Westonbirt Arboretum near Tetbury has a very large collection of Redwoods, only about a third of those recorded by the arboretum have been measured by Redwood World. The area covered was the Old Arboretum and among the fifty one found were some large enough to add to the Top Trunks tables. The two Dawn Redwood measured here are the tallest so far found in the British Isles by Redwood World. Silk Wood is yet to be explored and promises to contain many more Redwoods. Naturally a return visit is required.

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Westwood Business Park

Great Horkesley · Essex

A location in Great Horkesley, Essex, England featuring giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum), coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), dawn redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). Verified occurrence recorded by Redwood World. The Westwoood Business Park in London Road, Great Horkesley looks as though it has been converted from an old house and its grounds. As is typical of many Victorian estates, some forsighted owner had planted some Giant Redwood trees. Four, in this example, and excellent specimens they are too. The trees seem well cared for, as do the grounds generally, and there many plants to be seen. We would love to have more details on the history of the place should anyone have such information available.

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Wingletye Lane

Hornchurch · Essex

The tallest of this set of Giant Redwoods was a surprise find on a drive down Wingletye Lane in 2005. In March 2007, it had already grown an astonishing 1.4m in two years, a good rate of growth for a tree in such an urban environment. Two years later its rate of growth seems to have slowed. Ignoring the possibly inaccurate measurement in 2008, (it may have temporarily lost its leader) it appears to have grown just .7m in height during the two years from 2007 - 2009. Ten years on in 2019 it now measures 13.8metres, growing another 3.3 metres after having suffered another loss of its leader judging by the shape at the top.

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Wisley Garden

Wisley · Surrey

Wisley boasts a really fine collection of Redwood trees, mostly large and over a hundred years old, but with a couple of young examples. Whether you have an interest in these trees or not, Wisley is definitely worth a visit for the stunning displays of plants and flowers in a lovely countryside setting. Still, this is nothing less than one would expect since this is one of the main sites of the Royal Horticultural Society. There is also a huge multi-level glasshouse, opened in 2007, featuring temperate through to tropical zones crammed with stunning displays. * * * Update - AUGUST 2017 * * * Alan Titchmarsh vows to save Queen's tree in M25 row "One option would take out a bank of trees including giant redwoods."

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Dawn Redwood +1

Withdean Park

Brighton · Sussex

Travelling south on the A23, two miles before Brighton town centre, a rare sight comes into view; a young Wellingtonia. Although it is already quite tall, it must be something in the order of just 30 or so years old - a mere baby by Giant Redwood standards. It stands in Withdean Park, perhaps a little crowded by surrounding trees. This is not too much of a problem at the moment (it just makes photography a little awkward) but in years to come it might spoil the overall shape of the tree as it matures. Nearby is a Dawn Redwood of roughly the same age. The pictures were taken in early March, and being a deciduous conifer the Dawn Redwood has no foliage this time of year. Notice the clean overall conical shape, the incredibly straight, tapering trunk, and the way the branches sweep elegantly upward toward the ends. These are the classic characteristics of the Dawn Redwood, making them relatively easy to recognise from a distance. It may look rather bare at the moment but in a few more months this tree will have its fresh, bright green foliage on display.

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Giant Sequoia Places

The giant sequoia — the largest tree by volume on Earth — was introduced to Britain in the 1850s. These are standout places to encounter it across the UK.

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