Save the Ketton Rutland Redwoods: New Documentary Highlights Importance of Protecting Ancient Trees
A new documentary by Jay Naylor, released today (Friday, January 17, 2025), shines a light on the importance of protecting the Giant Redwoods growing in the Ketton Redwoods. The documentary follows Naylor's journey from Ketton to California, where these magnificent trees thrive in their native habitat.
The documentary highlights the unique qualities of Giant Redwoods and explains why these trees are irreplaceable. It also explores the history of the Ketton Redwoods, planted in the 1850s by Thomas Burroughes. These trees are not only a beautiful part of the local landscape but also hold historical significance.
Take Action to Save the Ketton Redwoods
The documentary coincides with a critical time for the Ketton Redwoods. Heidelberg Materials, which operates Ketton Cement Works, has submitted plans to expand their quarry. These plans include an area known as Field 14, where 15 Giant Redwoods stand amidst medieval ridge and furrow pasture land. These 150-year-old trees are a vital part of the Ketton Redwoods' heritage.
Sign the Petition
Jay Naylor is urging everyone to sign a petition encouraging Heidelberg Materials to modify their plans to exclude Field 14 from the quarry. A small change in the plans could save this grove of ancient trees.
Here's how you can help:
- Sign the petition: https://www.change.org/p/save-the-ketton-redwoods
- Contact Heidelberg Materials directly: enquiries@uk.heidelbergmaterials.com
- Email planning@rutland.gov.uk quoting reference 2024/0066/MIN
The Importance of Protecting Giant Redwoods
Giant Redwoods are some of the most impressive trees on Earth. They are the largest living organisms by volume and can live for up to 3,000 years. These trees play a crucial role in sequestering carbon, making them vital in the fight against climate change.
The Ketton Redwoods represent a unique piece of England's history and natural heritage. Protecting these trees is not just about preserving the past but also about safeguarding the future of our planet.
By taking action, we can ensure that the Ketton Redwoods continue to thrive for generations to come. Let's raise our voices together and save these magnificent trees!
Update: From Heidelberg materials
We are revising our extraction plans to preserve the section of redwoods alongside the access track into the field. As part of that redraft, we also intend to relocate part of the Field 14 screening bund from north of that same tree belt and move it to the south of the tree belt, thereby preserving a large section of the ridge and furrow in Field 14. This will link well with the proposed permissive path alongside Empingham Road, which runs into that part of Field 14 and the ridge and furrow land, giving public access where previously there was none. Having discussed these changes with RCC, revised plans are now being drawn up but have not yet been formally submitted.
