Trees and plants at Staunton Country Park
Trees and plants
Explore the unique and varied parkland.
Sir George Staunton was a keen horticulturalist who planted many rare and unusual specimens in the grounds of the country park.
During your visit, you will see trees and shrubs from all over the world. Staunton Country Park is a listed Regency landscape celebrating the planting styles and species of the early 1800s, with a special interest in those from Asia, which reflect the many years Sir George Staunton and William Henry Stone spent working overseas for the East India Company.
The parkland is an Arbnet arboretum, making it part of an international network dedicated to tree conservation and education. We’re also an active member of Plant Heritage, the home of National Plant Collections. Many of our trees are on the Tree Register of the British Isles as significant examples in terms of size or rarity.
As part of the Heritage Lottery project, many more trees and shrubs have been planted across the park, such as the impressive redwood trees, which come from California and can grow to a staggering height of 80 metres.
You might also spot the kiwi vines on either side of the gate at the entrance of the car park. The one on the left is the male and the one on the right the female. The female vine is the only one that bears fruit.
There are plenty of opportunities to spot some of our magnificent trees on our tree trail.
Look out for the 100 black labels which provide details about the tree species and its country of origin, while the blue labels indicate our 16 ‘Champion Trees’ – the biggest and best examples of these trees in the country.
National Collection of Lardizabalaceae
Staunton Country Park is home to the National Collection of Lardizabalacae (Lahr-dee-zab-uh-la-see-ee), a fascinating family of ornamental climbers and shrubs know for their fragrant flowers, unusual fruits, and striking foliage. This includes genera such as Akebia, Stauntonia, Decaisnea, and Lardizabala, many of which originate from East Asia and South America.
The collection is officially recognised by Plant Heritage, a UK charity dedicated to conserving the diversity of cultivated plants. Staunton's membership reflects our commitment to protecting horticultural heritage and sharing it with our visitors.
You'll find examples of these fascinating plants throughout the park, adding seasonal interest and botanical value to our historic landscape.
