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Devon

Devon, in the South West of England, is steeped in history, with its county town, Exeter, founded by the Romans and home to perhaps England's most stunning Norman Cathedral. The county is large and varied in landscape with the 'Riviera' south coast excellent for more vulnerable warm weather loving trees. In the east the combination of the limy sandy soils assists the county in growing some of Englands largest trees. For tree lovers - There are two particular tree sites of note ( top 50 UK Jubilee Trees). The first is Bicton College, East Budleigh, where there is an impressive Monkey Puzzle avenue whose origins are thought to be from Chile - the trees were planted in 1843 and have girths of 4 metres and are 27 metres tall! The second is the Heavitree Yew, Exeter, which is said to have been the meeting point of Saxon Kings. Such was its presence, that it was thought that the spirit of the tree was even handed and consequently impartial rulings were made underneath it. Other notable areas for ancient trees are Bishops Court Palace, at Clyst St Mary where there are some ancient oaks, Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, Cockington Court Cockington, Coleton Fishacre in Kinswear, Dartington Hall and for a huge Douglas Fir try Eggesford Forest by the ruins of Eggesford House. If you want a hotel in Devon you cannot better Endsleigh, Milton Abbot, Tavistock and then there is Escot Country Park, Exeter Crematorium, Exeter University, Kenn Church, Honinton where there is a huge yew tree. Kinnerton, a 18th century house with ancient sweet chestnuts and oaks near Silverton is lovely and Knightshayes, Bolham with its specimen trees, Marwood Hill, Marwood and Lower Coombe Royal, Kingsbridge are all worth visits. If you want to see a stunning 800year old oak Meavy oak at Tavistock is a fine example and another fine oak 'the Prince of Orange's Oak can be seen in Teigngrace. Other places to look out for are Powderham Castle, Rosemoor Garden in Great Torrington, Saltram House, Plympton Plymouth (old oaks) and Stone Lane Gardens where there are the National collection of Alders and Birches.