Happy 17th Birthday to one of the largest collections of Wollemi pines in Europe!

Thursday, 17th October 2024, marks 17 years since a collection of one of the world’s rarest trees was planted in Markshall’s Arboretum. To celebrate this special milestone, we are thrilled to announce the introduction of #WollemiPineDay! We invite visitors, nature lovers, and supporters worldwide to join us in celebrating the Wollemi pine by sharing photos of their visits to Markshall or Wollemi pines they’ve encountered elsewhere, using the hashtag #WollemiPineDay on social media.

The Wollemi pine (Wollemia nobilis) dates back more than 200 million years to the time of the dinosaurs. These incredible trees were thought to be extinct until their rediscovery in September 1994. Today, fewer than 100 mature trees exist in the wild.

Markshall is home to one of the largest collections of Wollemi pines in the world. The first tree of this remarkable collection was planted on Wednesday, 17th October 2007 by Professor Stephen Hopper, the then Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, in an area of the Arboretum called Gondwanaland. The collection has since grown, and the trees thrive outdoors, unlike most other Wollemi pines which are often grown indoors in pots.

Ian Chandler, Arboretum Manager at Markshall, who was present for the planting, says:

“The Wollemi pine is a living fossil, having been known only through fossil records until 1994. The discovery of a small population in Australia was groundbreaking. Given that these critically endangered trees are confined to fewer than 100 in the wild, the forest fires in recent years have posed a serious threat to their survival.”

Wollemi pines can live for centuries, with some believed to be between 500 and 1000 years old. Markshall’s collection offers an incredible opportunity for visitors to witness these ancient trees, and Ian Chandler adds, “We currently have between 70 and 80 Wollemi pines, and we plan to double this number in the coming years. We aim to create a unique ‘Jurassic Forest’ experience for visitors.”

As part of this year’s celebration, we encourage everyone to share their experiences of the Wollemi pines, whether through past visits to Markshall or encounters with these ancient trees in other locations. By using #WollemiPineDay, you can be part of raising awareness for the preservation of this critically endangered species.

Join us in celebrating the past, present, and future of the Wollemi pine this October!

As a charity, Markshall relies on the continued support of visitors and donors to maintain its collections and ensure that the Wollemi pines and other rare species continue to thrive for future generations.