Preston - Lostock Hall (Lancashire)

March 2017

Thanks to Janet and Mick for sending the above photograph of a Coast Redwood near Kirkcaldy. Janet said, "My husband recently noticed a tree in the gardens and wetlands he looks after at our local hospice, he hadn't paid much attention to it in the five years he's worked there but he began to wonder what species it was. On closer inspection he realised it has very spongy bark with a slight reddish hue. We think it may be a Coast Redwood, there aren't many Redwoods in Lancashire and it would be an interesting addition to the local area. It is in the grounds of St. Catherine's Hospice, Lostock Lane, Lostock Hall. " I'm pleased to be able to say that the tree in question is definitely a Coast Redwood (Sequoia sempervirens). It looks healthy and is no doubt enjoying the dampness of the wetlands! We often find that when we discover one Redwood in an area, there are often others to be found within a mile or so, so it might be worth having a hunt for some more!