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Representatives of The Tree Register (which keeps 'A unique record of Notable and Ancient Trees in Britain and Ireland’) have confirmed that Bicton College has some of the most exceptional trees in the country. Designated ‘Champion’ trees are believed to be the tallest or largest of their kind. Paul Champion (who is not particularly stout or tall!), Gardens Manager at Bicton College says ‘We have acres of historic parkland and over half a mile of arboretum which are home to many fine specimens. The oldest surviving plantings are in the Parkland and Arboretum with some trees in excess of 250 years. Many of the plants came from the famous Veitch nursery.'
The most important champion tree at Bicton College is part of the famous and spectacular Monkey Puzzle Avenue which was grown from seed at the Veitch Nursery in Exeter and planted at Bicton in 1843; and which still includes many of the original trees. This monkey puzzle is the largest of the species in the UK and has been the stoutest known for many decades. It has a girth of 4 metres and is 26 metres tall.
It is particularly noteworthy, as it was selected to become one of the 50 Great British Trees singled out to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s accession to the throne. The college was presented with a certificate and commemorative plaque to mark the achievement.
At the top of the drive on the right, there is a fabulous specimen of the Cork Oak, (Quercus suber). Although not yet reaching the criteria to make it a ‘champion’ tree, its bark deserves a closer look. In southern Europe it is harvested to make the corks that go into our wine bottles.
Within the arboretum, whose original planting dates from 1839, the main path just under a mile long, winds its way through a superb collection of mature trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants. Here the Mimosa (Acacia dealbata) has reached 20 metres, a spectacular sight in early spring when covered with yellow flowers. Another Australian native, Eucalyptus mooreana, is one of the rarer Gum trees, and has reached at least 19 metres. The graceful evergreen leaves and beautiful bark give all the Eucalyptus year round appeal. Eucalyptus flowers are much loved by bees; hence the proximity of the college hives to this particular collection of trees.
The magnolia collection contains a number of outstanding trees and shrubs, and is well worth a visit in the spring. A potential ‘Champion’ of the future is the imposing Magnolia delavayi, with its large leathery evergreen leaves. Also heading for ‘Champion’ status is the stately maple, Acer x zoeschense. Both trees can be found in their respective collections in the arboretum.
At the end of the arboretum walk, is the elegant Populus x canadensis ‘Serotina de Selys’. Dr Owen Johnson, Assistant Registrar of The Tree Register said ‘This tree is like a Lombardy poplar, but much rarer, and this example which stands at 37 metres, is by far the tallest known in the country’. He also said ‘Several other trees in the arboretum should become champions of the future, as the soil is ideal.’
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Bicton College grounds and arboretum are open to the public.
Opening times:-
Weekdays only 10.00 am to 4.00 pm
Closed Christmas week.
Tickets available from the Floristry Shop
For more information call: 01395 562427