West Hill - Bendarroch House (Devon)

Thanks to Kevin for telling us about this Giant Redwood in West Hill near Ottery St Mary. He wrote; "I was told it was one of three (sadly only two remain), and that they were used by the military during WW2 for communications/triangulation – I am approximately 420 feet above sea level ( a number of people have told me the same story). I have been unable to confirm this story officially and have looked for sign of antennae attachment, brackets etc. on the tree but have failed so far to find anything that would indicate an historical use. From my enquiries it appears that the tree was planted around 1862 as part of a large estate, possibly Bendarroch House after which my road has been named. The second surviving Redwood is in another garden 100 metres away and appears to be of a similar size. The dimensions of my tree are 15 feet 10 inches in circumference by approximately 104 feet in height. (these details were taken in July 18). The circumference height was taken 1.5 metres from ground level, although much debris has built up around the base, so this measurement may have been taken at a higher level. The height of the tree was taken with the altimeter of my drone so should be reasonably accurate."

Tree surgeon cutting back the damage from the loss of some large branches in high winds - April 2019