Tallest tree in England receives makeover

The tallest tree in England has received a makeover to get more visitors to come see it.

New signage has been put in place and the paths were made more accessible around some of the country's tallest trees on Exmoor near Dunster.

Among them is the tallest tree in England, a Douglas Fir measuring 63m (207ft).

Owen Meredith at Forestry England said: "It's massively important that people come out here and see these trees just so they're passionate about nature and the environment around them."

The new signs next to the tallest tree said its height equalled "21 elephants standing on top of each other".

Mr Meredith said the tree was planted 150 years ago, by a famous explorer and botanist, David Douglas.

"It's a baby in the grand scheme of things so it's still got a way to grow," Mr Meredith added.

"In America, they get up to 500 years old."

Tara Maxamed, community ranger at Forestry England, said: "They grow so well here because we are at the bottom of a valley so we get a lot of rain water here, these type of trees love this type of area.

"Whenever you drive into Exmoor you usually drive into a cloud, that's typical for the area.

"We love this site, we think it's a really special site."

Ms Maxamed said the makeover included a widening of the paths, to make it easy to walk on for people with all abilities and parents with children.

On Thursday, pupils from Dulverton Primary School came to visit the forest and experience the new makeover.

Thomas, one of the pupils, said: "It's taller than the leaning tower of Pisa."

Elsie added: "I didn't know a tree that big was in our country."

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