His Majesty King Charles III participated in a significant event at Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, where he planted a critically endangered Wollemi pine tree. The planting is part of an international conservation initiative aimed at establishing a thriving, genetically diverse population of these rare trees worldwide.
Over 170 young Wollemi pine trees, grown by the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, were carefully transported from Australia to Forestry England’s tree nursery at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest in Kent. The King planted one of these endangered trees within Silk Wood at Westonbirt Arboretum, contributing to the living collection of these unique species.
Often referred to as the ‘dinosaur tree,’ Wollemi pines have a remarkable history, with fossil records indicating their existence alongside dinosaurs 200 million years ago. Thought to be extinct for 70-90 million years, a chance discovery in 1994 revealed a small group of living trees in the Wollemi National Park in New South Wales. This led to the classification of the species as critically endangered on the IUCN’s red list.
The initiative to safeguard Wollemi pines involves distributing genetically diverse saplings to botanic gardens across the world, creating a metacollection. This collaborative effort, caring for the species collectively, aims to preserve the widest range of genetic diversity found in the wild population and protect Wollemi pines from extinction.
The planting event at Westonbirt Arboretum holds special significance during Coronation year, with the location dedicated as ‘Coronation Glade’ to celebrate Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, both with a longstanding association with the arboretum.
Geraint Richards, Head Forester to the Duchy of Cornwall and to His Majesty The King, highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “It is extremely significant to have His Majesty King Charles III plant a Wollemi pine at the world-renowned Westonbirt Arboretum. This event combines His Majesty’s long-standing concern for protecting the environment with his great enthusiasm for tree planting.”
The King actively participated in the planting ceremony, digging the soil and placing the Wollemi pine in its new home in Silk Wood, surrounded by volunteers and staff from Westonbirt and the arboretum’s charity, The Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum.
Andrew Smith, Director at Westonbirt Arboretum, expressed the fitting nature of the planting, stating, “It is very fitting to have His Majesty plant a Wollemi pine here during Coronation year. Planting ceremonies like this are a wonderful occasion to encourage people to connect with trees and nature, our core mission here at Westonbirt.”
This effort aligns with Westonbirt Arboretum’s vision to be a world leader in trees, inspiring people through education, participation, and conservation.
