Home > Memories >

The Dawn Redwood at Spier's - one of Europe's oldest

by Roger Griffith 8 October
  • The Dawn Redwood in 2011
  • The Coronation Garden
  • YMBB members working at the garden

The centrepiece of the Coronation Garden at the Spier's Old School grounds is a Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides) tree. Not only is this tree a living fossil, it is also a species that was for many years thought to be extinct.

Fossils of this species dating from the time of the dinosaurs are well known, however in 1941 a single living tree was found in the Szechuan province of China. An expedition from the USA in 1948 found several hundred trees and the seeds collected were sent to many parts of the World to ensure the species survival.

In 1953 a sizeable sapling was planted at Spier's and the headmaster of the time gave a speech regarding the trees rarity and the fact that a person connected with Spier's had been part of the 1948 expedition that had collected the seeds.

The Coronation Garden at Spier's has been fully restored and the history of this specimen makes it one of Ayrshire's most important trees.


Have your say...

Add your own comment

Add

You need to be logged in to add memories & pictures. If you haven't already, it's quick & easy to Sign up.

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with. If you have forgotten your password we can send you a reminder.

Sign In
  4. Forgotten Password?

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with.

Password reminder

  1. If you have forgotten your password, simply enter the email address associated with your account below and we will send you a link to reset it.

    Please note for security reasons the link will expire within 1 hour. After that you will need to request another link.

  4. <<Return to Login

Your sign in details have been retrieved and an email is on its way to you!

<<Return to Login

Contribute

  1. By posting on s1beith you’re agreeing to abide by our Posting Policy. Your email address won’t be displayed to the public.

  1. Here's your chance to make sure your contribution is exactly as you'd like it.

  3. Your photos will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your photos and video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

  4. By clicking 'send it' you’re agreeing to abide by our Posting Policy.

Memories, Nostalgia & History

History doesn't have to be in black & white

Your memory of a local character or a school photo from the last ten years can be just as interesting as wars and Victorians.

Add

You need to be logged in to add memories & pictures. If you haven't already, it's quick & easy to Sign up.

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with. If you have forgotten your password we can send you a reminder.

Sign In
  4. Forgotten Password?

Sorry, there were some problems with your request

Please check that the email address you are using is the same one that you signed up with.

Password reminder

  1. If you have forgotten your password, simply enter the email address associated with your account below and we will send you a link to reset it.

    Please note for security reasons the link will expire within 1 hour. After that you will need to request another link.

  4. <<Return to Login

Your sign in details have been retrieved and an email is on its way to you!

<<Return to Login

Contribute

  1. Write as much or as little as you like. Sometimes just a picture says it all, although please give enough detail for people to know what it is.

    Posting Tips

  4. If your contribution is about a specific location, please enter the nearest postcode (if known)

  1. Here's your chance to make sure your contribution is exactly as you'd like it.

  3. Your photos will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

    Your photos and video will be uploaded when you click 'Send it'

  4. By clicking 'send it' you’re agreeing to abide by our Posting Policy.

More beith Memories

Want a site like this for your community? Suggest a new location
© Herald & Times Group. All rights reserved.
Contact us | Terms of use | Privacy policy | Newsquest Media Group