UK Redwoods Show Carbon Storage Potential

Steve Bradley

A recent study by UCL/Kew, published in The Royal Society, reveals that Giant Redwood trees, exceeding 80m (262ft) in height, are thriving in the UK, matching the growth rate of their US counterparts. The UK is home to 500,000 Sequoiadendron giganteum trees, outnumbering the 80,000 in California. Interest in planting these trees in the UK is increasing due to their carbon sequestration potential and adaptability to the UK climate, unlike native species such as ash, elm, and oak facing pest and disease challenges.

Research on aboveground biomass (AGB) at sites like Benmore, Havering, and Wakehurst indicates that UK-grown S. giganteum can sequester carbon at a rate of 85kg per year, peaking at 150kg in wetter sites. Laser scanning revealed that Wakehurst's trees, approximately 45m tall, store 10 to 15 tonnes of carbon. The study concludes that these trees match the growth rates and carbon accumulation of their US counterparts.

Originally brought to the UK during the Victorian era, Redwoods, growing at a rate of 0.5m per year, remain popular for memorial plantings and large gardens. Derbyshire's Bluebell Nursery and Arboretum reports consistent demand for their stock. Despite their potential height, even dwarf varieties grow up to 40ft tall and offer benefits such as fire-resistant bark and climate tolerance. However, they are challenging to establish and unlikely to spread into the wild.

Public gardens like Cragside in Northumberland and Anglesey Abbey feature numerous Giant Redwoods, with some trees estimated to be 160 years old and reaching 50-55m in height. The Crown Estate aims to increase their presence in Windsor Great Park but faces challenges in propagating them in large quantities due to nursery constraints.

This story was published on: 05/04/2024

Image attribution: Mike Krejci

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