Ewell - Ewell Court Park (Surrey)

Giant Redwood - April 2016

Thanks to Paul who sent this photograph of a Giant Redwood tree in Ewell Court Park. He wrote; "...it is gorgeous". I cannot disagree.

---

Giant Redwood - December 2025

Some sad news from Debs who wrote on 24th December 2026 to say; "Sadly the top 40% or so of the Giant Redwood at Ewell Court Park broke off this morning at 11:20am in gusty wind. We heard it creaking, cracking and then moments later saw it crashing to the ground. It was quite a shock - this tree has been part of our lives for the 50 years we've visited this park. The photo was taken about 5 minutes after the top of the tree snapped off." Wow - what a shock! and such a shame. An incredible thing to have witnessed I would imagine.

Giant Redwood - December 2025

"The above picture was taken the same day which shows the "snapped" section of trunk lying on the ground. If you look into the broken section, you can clearly see the hexagonal shapes of a wasp or bee nest - which perhaps weakened that part of the trunk."

Giant Redwood - December 2025

"The above picture was taken on 29th December 2025 when the fallen section was being cut up for removal."

I agree with your theory about the wasp or bees nest being a factor in this calamity - possibly even hornets which we have witnessed coming and going through holes in a Redwood trunk before in an arboretum: Dinmore - Queenswood Arboretum (in Herefordshire). It looks in good health, otherwise, so I expect it will continue to grow and will eventually grow upwards with one or more new leaders formed from upper branches. An example of this can be seen here: Purleigh - All Saints Church (in Essex) The Purleigh tree was hit by lightning in 2003, and as can be seen is doing really well. I hope your tree is also left to recuperate.

Giant Redwood Tree no. 2 - December 2025

Debs shared a picture of "another redwood at Ewell Court Park, this one is nearer the main lake area."