Elveden - Center Parcs (Suffolk)

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in November 2017

There are two young Giant Redwoods on the golf course in Center Parcs in Elveden. These are the remaining survivors of ten small saplings that were originally planted by myself and Peter the Head Gardener in 2003.

Tree No. 1 was 10.5 metres tall and Tree No. 2 was 4.3 metres tall in November 2017. Thanks to Chel for the photograph below taken in October 2021.

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in October 2021

Thanks to Sam and Alex for the four photographs below taken in November 2019, 2018, 2016 and 2014.

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in November 2018

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in November 2019

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in November 2016

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in November 2014

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in July 2013

Trees No. 1 and 2 at the teeing area for hole number 5 in November 2010

The teeing area for hole number 5 in October 2004

The teeing area for hole number 5 in July 2005

Five of the original saplings were placed either side of the fairway at Hole number 5. The left hand picture above shows them all a year after they were planted. The right hand picture above shows them another year on when five of the trees were relocated to form a continous line veering around and up the right hand grass mound. Unfortunately eight of the trees have since died, either they were too small to plant out, they did not survive the move, or a lack of water seeming to be the culprit. The largest of the survivors is nearest the teeing area and so may have been able to tap into the extra water that is lavished on the grass at this point.

A close up of trees No. 1 and 2 in July 2013

A close up of trees No. 1 and 2 in July 2014

Tree No. 1 in October 2006

Tree No. 1 in November 2010

Tree No. 1 in November 2017

Tree No. 2 in November 2010

Tree No. 2 in July 2013

Tree No. 2 in November 2017

The other remaining survivor, a little further down the fairway, has grown much slower, being only about one fifth the height of its neighbour. Near the car park there was a third young Giant Redwood (not one of mine) that was roughly the same age but it grew very slowly and was eventually removed to make way for new sporting activities.

Common Names and Latin Name	No.	Latitude and Longitude		OS National Grid	Elevation (above sea-level)	Height	Girth	Date Measured
		WGS84	OSGB36
Giant Redwood Sequoiadendron giganteum	1	N52.39318 E0.65748	N52.39274 W0.65919	TL 80919 80560	142ft (43.29m)	10.5m 7m 5m 1.04m 0.45m	1.25m	November 2017 August 2013 November 2010 July 2005 August 2003
	2	N52.39322 E0.65755	N52.39278 W0.65926	TL 80924 80565	134ft (40.85m)	4.3m 1m 0.34m	0.26m	November 2017 November 2010 August 2003
	3	N52.39044 E0.65641	N52.39000 W0.65812	TL 80857 80253	153ft (46.65m)	--	--	--