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Tree of the Year

Author:

Nadine de Chenu

Published:

January 21, 2020

The UK has an amazing number of impressive trees and each year the Woodland Trust runs their annual “Tree of the Year” campaign to both celebrate these wondrous veterans and to increase awareness the in country’s precious woodlands. The campaign runs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland with a winning tree being selected for each area. As lovers of all thing’s trees and with a particular fondness for veteran trees we thought we’d share this year’s winners with you….

England - This year’s winning tree in England is the delightful Allerton Oak, found in Calderstones Park in Liverpool.

This spectacular tree was mentioned in the Doomsday book of 1086 and it’s possible the oak was already established then. The tree features a large crack down one side which legend states occurred in 1864 when a ship, laden with gunpowder, exploded and the resulting shockwaves caused the tree to split.  

Some of the shortlisted trees in England include the Tallest Plane in Dorset which stands at an impressive 50m tall making it one of the tallest broadleaf trees in Europe and the entirely hollow Drive Oak in Gloucestershire which was present during Queen Elizabeth I’s reign. Both stunning examples of veteran trees.

Scotland - The winning tree for Scotland is an elm which had been forgotten.

Standing alone in Glen Affric, it’s thought to be the survivor of an ancient forest now enduring as a reminder of the past and as a symbol of hope to the future as a new native woodland is planted.

Wales - Wales’ winner for 2019 is the 400-year-old, Old Sweet Chestnut of Pontypool.

One of many sweet chestnuts in Pontypool park, it’s unique in being hollow inside allowing you to walk inside the tree and has provided children through the ages a great piece of natural playground equipment.  

Northern Ireland - Finally, Northern Ireland’s tree of the year goes to the curiously named Invisible Tree in Rostrevor. Standing for generations at the entry to the ancient woodlands of Rostrevor Oakwood, the tree was removed from a survey and report regarding planned building development, metres from its roots.

Despite the disruption to this magnificent oak’s environment, The Invisible Tree has prevailed and now locals are keen to ensure the story is spread far and wide.

Should you have the responsibility of caring for a veteran or ancient tree and would like advice then please get in touch with our team of experts. enquiries@treeandwoodland.co.uk or call 01926 810023