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Tree-mendous! Tallest tree in the country declared in Sussex

Charlie Cain, Head Ranger at the National Trust Credit: PA

A beech tree standing 144 feet high in the South Downs has been declared the tallest native tree in Britain.

The tree, which is thought to be almost 200 years old, stands in Newtimber Woods on the National Trust's Devil's Dyke Estate in West Sussex.

The discovery of a new record for the tallest native tree title was made by Owen Johnson, the honourable registrar for the Tree Register, a charity which holds records of more than 200,000 exceptional trees in Britain and Ireland.

"I didn't quite believe Peter when he said the tallest tree in the woods could be 44 metres tall as I know the South Downs so well.

"When I finally got around to visiting I found my scepticism entirely unjustified.

"It's amazing how you can go on discovering marvellous trees, almost on your doorstep.

– Dr Johnson