Meikleour Beech Hedges facts for kids
The Meikleour Beech Hedge is a truly incredible natural wonder. It is found near Meikleour in Perth and Kinross, Scotland. This giant hedge was planted way back in the autumn of 1745. It was created by Jean Mercer and her husband, Robert Murray Nairne. They planted it on the large Meikleour estate.
This famous hedge is listed in the Guinness World Records. It holds the title for being the tallest and longest hedge on Earth! People can visit and see this amazing sight all year round.
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Discover the Meikleour Beech Hedge
The Meikleour Beech Hedge is made up of European Beech trees. These trees are known scientifically as Fagus sylvatica. They grow together to form a massive green wall. It's not just any hedge; it's a living monument!
How Old is This Giant Hedge?
The hedge was planted in 1745, making it over 275 years old! Jean Mercer and Robert Murray Nairne carefully placed each tree. They worked on the estate of a noble family, the Marquess of Lansdowne.
A Legend of the Hedge
There is a special story about the hedge. It is said that the hedge grows towards the sky. This is because the men who helped plant it went off to fight in a big battle. Sadly, they were killed in the Battle of Culloden. This legend adds to the hedge's unique history.
How Big is the Meikleour Hedge?
This hedge is truly enormous. It stands about 30 meters (98 feet) tall. That's as tall as a ten-story building! It also stretches for an incredible 530 meters (1,739 feet) long. Imagine walking alongside a hedge that long!
Keeping the Hedge Trimmed
Keeping such a huge hedge neat is a massive job. It is usually trimmed only once every ten years. This helps it stay healthy and keep its impressive shape. The most recent trim happened in late 2019. Before that, it hadn't been trimmed for almost 20 years!
Visiting the Meikleour Beech Hedge
The Meikleour Beech Hedge is easy to find. It runs right alongside the A93 road. This road connects the towns of Perth and Blairgowrie. Visitors are welcome to view this record-breaking hedge at any time of the year.
