Sussex storms: was this giant redwood tree at Sheffield Park and Garden destroyed by lightning?

The National Trust said the 38m tree was ‘left in tatters’ after heavy rain on Wednesday night (November 16) during a week of stormy weather across Sussex.

The 38m tree had stood for 140 years.

Tom Hill, the National Trust's tree and woodland adviser, said: “We heard reports of a single, very loud lightning strike in the garden on Wednesday night, which we believe brought down a large proportion of the tree. The redwood is such an iconic part of the landscape here – and very much loved by locals and visitors, with generations of families posing for photos under its enormous branches. Fortunately the base of the tree appears to be intact, so we’re hopeful it will naturally regenerate, given the time and space.”