Littleborough’s giant sequoia mystery solved

Primarily found in California, Giant Sequoias are among the oldest living things on Earth and are the world's largest single trees, growing to an average height of 50–85m (164–279 ft) with a diameter of 6–8m (20–26 ft).

Yet one was discovered in the hills of Littleborough earlier this month.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/122866/giant-sequoia-tree-native-to-north-america-found-in-littleborough

Littleborough’s giant sequoia – 8.4 metres tall with a diameter of 33cm – was found close to Greenhalgh Farm as part of the ambitious All Our Trees research project, which aims to identify and protect existing trees and woods, plus aiding plans for a new Northern Forest.

So how did a native American tree come to be found here in Littleborough?

Rochdale Online can reveal exactly how the tree came to be in Littleborough: Edward Wroe and his family planted four sequoias in 2004/5 when they lived at Greenhalgh Farm.

Mr Wroe said: “My family planted this sequoia, plus three others, whilst we lived at Greenhalgh Farm from 2003 until 2014.

“When we left in 2014, there were four sequoias interspersed with other conifers: two commonly known as Californian Coastal Redwoods and two commonly known as the Giant Sequoias. There is one in America called ‘General Sherman’ with a tarmacked road cut right through it.”

Mr Wroe continued: “I have four grandchildren and starting from the one planted nearest to the top of the slope, where the old header tank was for the water supply, the sequoias were named Joshua, Joe, Georgia, Oliver.

“The intention was that when they are all very senior citizens, they could look across the valley and remember the good times we had together at Greenhalgh Farm.”

He added: “I had – and still have – an interest in all kinds of trees and how they can benefit the environment.”

Mr Wroe eventually had a collection of around 50 different tree species planted at Greenhalgh, including four types of poplars and conifers, various apple, plum and cherry trees, amongst many others.

He wryly added: “I applied for a grant, a contribution to the costs of creating a mixed woodland.

“But, true to form, all they wanted to do is tell me exactly what I had to plant and where, so I ignored them, and we did our own thing.

“That`s why the Giant Sequoias are there; they weren't on the list of their allowed trees.”