Writtle - Redwood Drive (Essex)

July 2006

August 2008 photograph by Tony

It was a bit obvious really that a Giant Redwood should be found here in this street, with a name like Redwood Drive! In pride of place stands this fine example, possible a remnant from the grounds of the nearby building that is now a community centre. Thanks to Tony for sending the August 2008 photograph which is taken from a different angle and is a better shot of the foliage.

Also Peter wrote to say, "The tree was originally planted in the grounds of Longmeads House. The tree is now in Redwood Drive, a 1980s cul-de-sac housing development. Longmeads House is a large Victorian building with grounds, and an important feature of Writtle. It was built by Robert Woodhouse in the 1880s and remained in the family until it was acquired by the Seabrooke family in 1930. The estate was acquired by Essex County Council in 1950 and is now the village's community centre." This tree was originally listed on Redwood World as being in "Oxney Green" but Peter mentioned that "The name Oxney Green has fallen out of use over the years, and if it has any meaning now it would just be as part of Writtle". Thanks also to Peter for these measurements in August 2010: Girth: 5.1 metres at 1.7 metres height Height of tree 27 metres (+/- 3 metres)

Common Names and Latin Name	Latitude and Longitude		OS National Grid	Elevation (above sea-level)	Height	Girth	Date Measured
	WGS84	OSGB36
Giant Redwood Sequoiadendron giganteum	N51.72950 E0.41628	N51.72901 E0.41796	TL 66967 06183	152ft (46.3m)	25.3m	5.06m	July 2006
Girth was measured at 1.5m from ground.