Bedgebury's story

 

The great storm of October 2007 had a devastating effect on the National Pinetum at Bedgebury, destroying 30% of the National Conifer Collection.   But, while the loss of so many historically important trees was a huge blow, it also provided  an opportunity.  It gave the Pinetum staff a chance to take a close look at what remained and to restructure the collection  - a process that continues to this day.

The storm took a particular toll on the Cedar and Mexican collections, and also destroyed  the research plots. This damage galvanised the rejuvenation of the plots planting as part of the International Conifer Conservation Project.  Since the Storm the National Pinetum has acquired new land, allowing for the expansion of the collection and providing scope for it to meet its full potential. Prior to the storm the collection predominantly consisted of mature trees, with a shortage of younger specimens.  Support came in from all over the world; notably from Tulare County, California, which donated and paid for the planting of Redwoods that now flank the boardwalk near the new Visitor Centre, and which now tower some 15 metres over the path.
Pinetum Curator Chris Reynolds said,

“Every disaster throws up opportunities. We lost lots of fine specimens of irreplaceable historical importance.  However, once the mess was cleared up, there was lots of room for the next generation.  The storm gave us the impetus to plant more trees as part of the long-term conservation of specimens to tie in with the global strategy for plant conservation.  It has also given us the chance to make the National Pinetum more accessible and user-friendly for the visiting public."