Leonardslee Awarded New Champion Status for Seven Trees

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, the 240-acre Grade I Listed woodland estate, has been awarded British & Irish Champion status for two additional trees and County Champion status for five more following the latest Tree Register of Britain and Ireland (TROBI) visit. 

These new accolades bring the total number of Champion trees at Leonardslee to an impressive 116, including 35 British and Irish Champions, 4 English Champions, and 77 County Champions. 

Jamie Harris, head gardener at Leonardslee, said: "Many of the champion trees are species threatened in their natural habitats, and each tells a story of adaptation, resilience, and the vital importance of biodiversity. Leonardslee gardens are safeguarding ecosystems and genetic diversity for future generations." 

The newly crowned British & Irish Champions are a Golden Cappadocian Maple (Acer cappadocicum 'Aureum'), standing 12.6 metres tall, and an Osmanthus delavayi, measuring 6.8 metres in height. Both trees have outgrown their counterparts across Britain and Ireland to claim the top spots. 

Five trees have been awarded County Champion status: 

1. A Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum 'Mure Hibari') in the Rock Garden 

2. A Japanese Bitter Orange (Citrus trifoliata) in the Camellia Walk 

3. A Tree Privet (Ligustrum sinense) in the Camellia Walk 

4. An Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis) east of the Engine Pond dam 

5. A Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster) in Mossy Ghyll 

Adam Streeter, general manager at Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, commented: "These new champion statuses reflect our ongoing dedication to maintaining and enhancing this historic landscape. Leonardslee is a vital ecosystem and a living museum of arboricultural excellence." 

Established by Victorian plant collector Sir Edmund Loder, Leonardslee Gardens feature seven interlaced lakes, woodlands, and parkland. The estate is renowned for its spring displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias, daffodils, and bluebells. 

Beyond its horticultural significance, Leonardslee plays a crucial role in wildlife conservation. The estate provides a protected habitat for rare species, including Emperor Dragonflies, White Admiral butterflies, and various bird species such as Kites and Nightingales. 

The gardens, open year-round except Christmas Day, offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Attractions include a historic Pulham rock garden, a deer park, a colony of wallabies, and an extensive outdoor sculpture exhibition. 

The estate's conservation efforts align with broader sustainability goals. Leonardslee employs environmentally friendly gardening practices and also in its vineyards and works to educate visitors about the importance of preserving our natural world. 

Visitors to Leonardslee can enjoy guided tours by arrangement, highlighting the champion trees, and learning about their significance and the estate's role in conservation. The gardens also host a variety of events throughout the year, including winter illuminations, art exhibitions, and family activities, all designed to foster a deeper connection between people and nature.