50 Great Trees of the National Trust

by Simon Toomer

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2022

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The writing is very engaging, and the plentiful pictures are lovely. It’s amazing to think that some ancient trees “have lived through many centuries of change and they have, literally, been shaped by their interaction with humans.” I’ve often wondered at the secrets that trees have heard and the part they have played in history, so this book truly appealed to my interest.

Species of trees from other lands “such as cedar of Lebanon and Oriental plane, quite unlike our native species, would have caused a frisson of excitement and helped contemporary designers such as Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown (1716-83) and Humphrey Repton (1752-1818) to realize fantastic landscapes.”

For some homeowners “their gardens became ‘showrooms’ of their adoration: the rhododendrons of Cragside and the magnolias of Lanhydrock are examples.”

“Many garden creators and owners were among the horticultural ‘movers and shakers’ of their day and they employed the best gardeners and plantspeople to help realise their ambitions.” I’m so very grateful that through the National Trust, I can tour some amazing homes and gardens that have been passed down through generations and have a rich history.

Of the 50 trees included in the book, here are the ones I have viewed in person:

1. Cedar of Lebanon at Croome Park in Worcestershire.
2. Japanese hill cherry at Hidcote, Gloucestershire.
3. Sitka spruce at Aira Force, Cumbria.
4. Magnolia ‘Albatross’ at Lanhydrock, Cornwall.
5. Ancient yews in Borrowdale, Cumbria.

So, as you can see, I have some catching up to do. I hope to visit the Monkey puzzle and The Old Man of Calke (Oak) in Calke, Derbyshire soon!

[Kai · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good loo read! Isaac newtons apple tree is the one I want to visit most but there are loads of great trees in the book! An eye opener to our history and colonial rampages to get exotic trees in blighty.

Favourite story is of the Irish Yew - All Irish yews descended from cuttings of one tree found in County Fermanagh in the 1700s!

Not world changing but fun for a quick bit of wholesome content.

[Mrs Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Especially as I have just become a member of the national trust, it gives a small bit of information and history about each tree featured, accompanied by beautiful photography. Interesting to find trees to visit and learn a bit more about the national trust sites they are on.

[Dixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely mix of text and photographs of some of Britain's most magnificent trees.