It is the only tree species given special protection under Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which was designed to protect especially rare species in England and Wales. Seeds from these wild trees have been deposited at Kew's Millennium Seed Bank
Common name: Plymouth pear
Scientific name: Pyrus cordata
Family: Rosaeceae
Compared to the Domestic pear (Pyrus communis). Plymouth pear fruits are smaller, hard and more rounded. It also has purplish twigs, instead of the grey-brown twigs of the domestic pear and spinier branches.
Globally, this species is restricted to Western Europe with populations in France, particularly Brittany, and the north-western regions of Spain and Portugal Plymouth pear is one of Britain's rarest trees and is currently thought to survive in just two wild hedgerows in Plymouth and Truro. Originally it may have been a widespread component of mixed deciduous woodlands. No one is sure whether this species is native to the UK. The Plymouth and Truro trees could be ancient local inhabitants, dating back before the English Channel appeared, or more recent immigrants whose seeds were brought here by birds.
Unfortunately, access to the trees here is restricted. However, besides this wild site, there are some transplanted trees within the city of Plymouth including
Yardley Gardens at Estover
Derriford Hospital. Opposite the entrance and in the Hospital carpark.
Forder Valley Nature Reserve
Efford Marsh Nature Reserve
Plymbridge Lane, Plymouth
Charles Church, roundabout at Plymouth.
Caution This is an Industrial Estate, discretion required during the working day.