The arboretum at Gosford Forest seems somewhat underestimated. It contains some lovely specimen trees, well spaced in a quiet grassy setting without too much formality. The forest also has formal gardens, open parkland, forestry, a collection of poultry, rare breeds such as Soay sheep, and red deer clearly visible in their enclosure.
The arboretum champion is a fir Abies spectabilis, in the record books at the greatest girth for this species. Extremely tall, it is 13’ 10” round and in excellent health. It is the sort of tree that justifies forest arboreta, providing an opportunity to appreciate a species not commonly grown, and here allowed to reach full maturity.
This champion is accompanied by a group of veteran Douglas Firs, growing old and craggy with carbuncled bark, typical of their age. Are these also close to champion size?