Giant redwoods thriving in the UK: Surpassing California’s numbers and growing at remarkable rates

In a surprising turn of events, giant redwoods, the world’s largest trees, are not only surviving but flourishing in the United Kingdom, outnumbering their native counterparts in California, according to a recent study conducted by scientists Rebecca Morelle and Alison Francis for BBC News Science.

Around 160 years ago, the Victorians introduced giant redwoods to the UK, turning them into the ultimate botanical status symbol, often found gracing the grand estates of the wealthy. Today, these colossal trees, known as Sequoiadendron giganteum, are thriving across the UK landscape, with an estimated 500,000 trees compared to California’s 80,000.

Although the UK’s giant redwoods are not yet as tall as their Californian relatives, reaching a maximum height of 54.87m compared to 90m, the study suggests that they are growing at a similar rate. Given that giant redwoods can live for over 2,000 years, there is ample time for the UK’s trees to catch up and potentially surpass their Californian counterparts.

Dr. Phil Wilkes, one of the study’s authors from Kew’s botanic garden at Wakehurst in Sussex, expressed surprise at the sheer number of giant redwoods in the UK, emphasizing the importance of compiling and analyzing datasets to realize the extent of their presence.

To assess their adaptation to the UK climate, scientists studied a sample of nearly 5,000 trees at Wakehurst, Benmore Botanic Garden in Scotland, and Havering Country Park in Essex. Laser scanners were used to measure the heights and volumes of the trees without the need for cutting them down.

The researchers found that the UK climate, surprisingly similar to the cooler and moister regions of California where they naturally grow, seems to suit the giant redwoods. The trees are thriving in the damp climate, with growth rates comparable to their native habitat.

Additionally, the study explored the carbon sequestration capabilities of giant redwoods, discovering that they can lock up significant amounts of carbon dioxide in their wood. While not as much as their Californian counterparts, the UK giant redwoods at Wakehurst store approximately 10 to 15 tonnes of carbon.

Despite their impressive growth and carbon storage capabilities, the researchers caution against relying solely on giant redwoods to combat climate change. However, they suggest that these majestic giants can play a role in mixed forest plantations alongside various native and imported tree species.

As climate change poses threats to California’s ancient redwood forests, some experts, like Prof. Mat Disney from University College London, believe that the UK could become a more suitable home for these giants. Planting efforts by local authorities in public parks and recreation grounds are already underway, and Prof. Disney anticipates that once these saplings reach around 60m, they will become the tallest trees in Britain, continuing to grow for centuries.

Despite their success in the UK, the giant redwoods are not expected to dominate native forests anytime soon due to specific conditions required for reproduction. Nevertheless, their rapid growth and adaptability hint at a promising future for these majestic trees in their newfound home.