Giant redwoods, renowned as the world's largest trees, are thriving in the UK, where they now outnumber their native counterparts in California.
Introduced by the Victorians around 160 years ago, these majestic giants have found a favorable environment in the UK, with a recent study indicating that they are growing at a comparable rate to those in their native range.
While California boasts towering specimens reaching heights of 90 meters, the tallest in the UK stands at 54.87 meters. However, given the long lifespan of giant redwoods—exceeding 2,000 years—there is ample time for the UK trees to reach similar heights.
Dr. Phil Wilkes, one of the study's authors from Kew's botanic garden at Wakehurst in Sussex, remarked on the surprising abundance of these trees in the UK, with an estimated 500,000 trees compared to 80,000 in California.
Giant redwoods, or Sequoiadendron giganteum, were initially brought to the UK as botanical status symbols by the wealthy elite of the Victorian era. Today, they adorn grand estates and public parks, forming striking features of the landscape.
To assess their adaptation and growth in the UK, scientists conducted a comprehensive study of nearly 5,000 trees across various locations. Laser scanning technology was employed to measure their heights and volumes without causing harm to the trees.
The study revealed that the UK climate, characterized by moisture and moderate temperatures, suits these trees well. They are growing at rates comparable to their counterparts in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California.
Additionally, giant redwoods contribute significantly to carbon sequestration, with large amounts of carbon dioxide stored in their wood. While the UK trees store less carbon compared to those in the US, they still play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.
Prof. Mat Disney from University College London believes that the UK could provide a less stressful environment for these trees compared to California, where they face threats from climate change-induced wildfires and drought.
While the giant redwoods are flourishing in the UK, their spread into native forests is unlikely due to specific reproduction requirements. Nonetheless, as saplings continue to be planted across the country, these iconic trees are poised to become towering symbols of resilience and majesty in the British landscape. Photo by Allie_Caulfield, Wikimedia commons.