Britain has more mature giant redwoods than almost anywhere outside California — and most are hiding in parks, churchyards, and old estates near you. Find the nearest ones on the map; every record shows how we know what we know.
Public field map
Unverified, evidence-backed, or field-checked — every place shows how much to rely on it before you travel, plus access notes and sources where we have them.
51°N field map · est. 1853 planting
80 places on the map. Three species. Access and source notes on every record.
Selected highlights · access and sources on each record
Home to one of the most impressive giant sequoia avenues in Britain. Planted in 1863 from seeds brought directly from California, the avenue of over a hundred sequoias creates a cathedral-like approach to the garden. The trees are now among the tallest in Scotland.
The Leighton Estate near Welshpool contains what is believed to be the tallest giant sequoia in Wales. Planted in the 1860s, the grove includes multiple champion-sized trees in a dramatic hillside setting.
A dramatic drive through a double avenue of coast redwoods planted in 1859. The trees now tower over 40 metres above the road and create one of the most striking woodland experiences in southern England.
Starting points · pick your question
One-time location or town search — see if a detour is worth it.
Free-to-visit places with clear, verified access notes.
Species ID before you filter the map.
Records backed by verified field measurements and strong source context.
Stop order or one county — keep the day anchored.
Truth-seeking, access claims, evidence, and corrections.
Species on the map · confidence-labelled counts
Largest by volume. Often found in Victorian estates and gardens—logged with verified access notes where we have them.
World's tallest species. Strongest stands in wetter western Britain, with some verified field records outpacing native growth.
Living fossil, rediscovered 1944. Deciduous—the rarest of the three on the map, requiring specific visual confirmation.
Curated lists · themed place groups
The giant sequoia — the largest tree by volume on Earth — was introduced to Britain in the 1850s. These are standout places to encounter it across the UK.
Redwood places that are open to the public at no charge, with straightforward access and no ticket needed.
Dramatic avenues, towering groves, and atmospheric woodland — places that reward a camera and a slow walk.
Background · Victorian planting
Giant sequoias and coast redwoods were introduced to Britain in 1853 — just two years after the species were first formally described to Western science. The Victorian enthusiasm for the big trees was extraordinary.
By the 1860s, hundreds of estates, botanic gardens, parks, and cemeteries had planted redwoods. Many of those trees are still standing today — over 160 years old and still growing.
Britain's mild, wet climate suits redwoods surprisingly well. In parts of Scotland and Wales, coast redwoods now top 50 metres and are growing faster than many native species.
Open mapping project · seeking partners
Among the Redwoods is an independent public mapping project for redwood places across Britain and Northern Ireland. We are building the public record and actively seeking partners, volunteers, and field contributors.
Every published record carries a confidence label, coordinates where we have them, and sources when available. We separate what is noticed online from what has been checked on the ground.
Found a new stand, a forgotten Victorian avenue, or fresher measurements? Contribute directly from the field.
Field ethics · protect the giants
Stay off the root zone — soil compaction starves shallow roots of oxygen and water.
Verify local access rights, stick to marked paths, and respect all fencing and estate rules.
Use non-invasive tools only — no carving, bark damage, or clearing of ground cover.
Field guide · separating the three species
Notes and background · read before you go
Species ID, planting history, and how we treat sources on the map.
Citizen science · field contributions
The map improves when people on the ground share what they see. No account needed — submit from the field and track review on your receipt page.
Contribute
Submit from the field — no account needed. You get a receipt link when your report is reviewed.
Contribute to the map
