This year the annual contest is shining its spotlight firmly on urban trees that have survived down through the ages
A mighty oak that's stood for around 500 years in Belfast forest has been nominated for Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year 2023.Read more: Activists hold Belfast wake for 29,530 trees axed by Stormont department
"But most ancient trees aren’t protected by law, and those in urban areas are particularly vulnerable." This fantastic twisted sweet chestnut was planted at the request of none other than King Charles II. After taking the throne in 1660, he announced a bold vision for Greenwich Park, known as 'The Grand Plan' and while the Palace of Greenwich was never rebuilt as intended, the ambitious redesign of the grounds can still be enjoyed today.
The nearby cathedral’s unusual three spires provide an awe-inspiring backdrop. A much-loved landmark in the city, the tree is native to China and shows off colourful foxglove-shaped blooms in springtime. The species was introduced to Britain in the 1830s.Fact file / Approximate age: likely around 175 years old / Girth: 5.00 metres
In 2023, we took cuttings from the tree and grafted them onto rootstock from the Bowthorpe Oak, another local ancient oak. The resulting 23 saplings can be considered descendants of the Grantham Oak and will preserve the hardy genetic traits that have helped it live so long.Fact file / Approximate age: Estimated 128 years old / Girth: 2.80 metres
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Larson paint schemes revealed for Indy 500/Coke 600 doubleTake a look at KyleLarsonRacin's ride for the 2024 Indy500 and Coke600, where he'll become the first driver in a decade to attempt the double. 👇
Read more »
Larson paint schemes revealed for Indy 500/Coke 600 doubleHendrick Motorsports and Arrow McLaren have revealed the look of the cars for Kyle Larson's 2024 attempt at the IndyCar Indy500 and NASCAR Coke600 double ⬇️
Read more »
Inside first wedding reception held at Belfast Zoo'The weather cleared enough for our guests to hightail it to the giraffe house to share the experience with us, totally magical!'
Read more »
Belfast Undercover Chef shares tasty meal recipes in local cooking demoHe shared some handy tips with the audience on how to prepare tasty meals 'which don’t take too long to make or cost too much'.
Read more »
Belfast man walking the Mournes barefoot in aid of breast cancer charityCalvin is raising money for Pretty n Pink Breast Cancer Charity after his mum and close family friend had gone through treatment
Read more »
Belfast man on opening thriving New York State pub The BansheeConor, Kevin, Neil, and James say The Banshee 'looks and feels like a bar you'd find in Belfast or Dublin city centre'
Read more »