Welsh coast redwood pinetum's honorary warden departs

David has cared for the unique Charles Ackers Redwood Grove and Naylor Pinetum – the largest and oldest stand of coast redwoods in Europe – for 42 years.

During his time in charge, the redwoods have flourished. Countless groups from the UK and abroad have benefitted from David’s tours explaining their history, their management and their contribution to our forestry knowledge. 

The woodland was gifted to the RFS in 1958 by Charles Ackers. Over the years, Charles Ackers’ daughters Torill Freeman, Tiggy Lessner and other family members have visited the woodland to see its progress under David.

The Old Grove was planted in 1857 by the rural innovator John Naylor. Under the terms of the Charles Ackers gift, these trees have never been thinned, but have grown more venerable under David’s care.

Later plantings, now around 85 years old, have been managed by David with a number of thinnings over the decades. They now soar into the Welsh skyline.

READ MORE: From coast to coast and home from home

Former RFS president Sir Jack Whitaker said of David: “ I became an admirer of his passion for the redwoods, and his simple directness, his kindness, his lack of side. But he is more than that – he has been a huge and loyal supporter of the RFS for decades, and like many foresters I felt his heart beats to a longer rhythm.”

RFS chief executive Christopher Williams added: “It was a privilege for everyone present to spend some time with David to mark his achievements as honorary warden of the wondrous Redwood Grove. David shared his passion for forestry, and connected us all with his own journey as warden, through his humour and his stories. I was pleased, but not surprised, that so many people came to thank and recognise David for his remarkable contribution to the work of the society.”

David Williams, left, gives his last guided tour of the historic Leighton redwoods to RFS members and friends, with President Sir James Scott, right.

David Gwillam from Prees Heath Forest Nurseries presented David Williams with a dawn redwood and Japanese cornelian cherry to mark his 42 years.
The baton of honorary warden has now passed to Eve Over.