Blue Atlas Cedar
Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus libani atlantica glauca)
- Diameter - 0.97 metres, Height - 11 metres
- Age (Estimated) - 80-100 years
- Crown Spread: North - 8 metres, East - 8 metres, South - 10 metres, West - 8 metres
The first Cedar trees were introduced to this country from the Middle East some 300 years ago and soon came to be regarded as our most decorative confiers. Today they can be found in most parts of Britain.
The Blue Atlas Cedar originates in the Atlas mountains in Algeria and Morocco. Introduced in 1841 by Lord Somers from seed gathered at Teniet el Haad, these now quite common trees can be seen growing in various parks and private gardens.
The tree in question is situated next to Sandbanks Road and has historic connections with the smuggling trade. The shores of Poole and the Christchurch Bays gave smugglers ready access via the chines, to gorse covered heathland, permitting them the seclusion needed to move their contraband to storage in areas like Kinson, for subsequent distribution inland.
A further interesting feature in this vicinity is the water fountain which was presented by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in 1927 and worth visiting.
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