Can you help us find England’s tree with the x-factor to do battle with Europe?
Everyone has a favourite individual tree, it could be well known like the Major Oak in Sherwood Forest or a tree with a local connection. We need you to tell us about it!
We are looking for England’s ‘Tree of the Year’, which will represent the country in competition with the finest trees nominated from across Europe in the European Tree of the Year contest next spring.
The great thing is that England has one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of ancient and veteran trees in Europe, the oldest of which date back to before the creation of the Domesday Book in the 11th Century.
The tree does not have to be ancient – you can nominate a favourite tree of any age, size or species, as long as it’s located in England. Whether it has a personal connection, a link to a significant date in history, a link to historical figure, or for any other reason; all are eligible. If the tree is on someone else’s land it’s important that you get permission from the landowner to nominate the tree.
Later in the autumn we’ll create a shortlist from all entries and the public will be given the chance to vote which tree to put forward for England’s Tree of the Year.
Woodland Trust volunteer and ‘Tree Hunter’ Rob McBride said: “I have personally seen many of England’s oldest, most fabulous trees and now is the time to show Europe just how amazing they are. With the fantastic array of significant trees we have in England we have a great chance of winning the competition.”
Just as importantly we hope that the competition will be a platform for individual trees of importance to be given greater protection and support, as many remain at risk from development, disease and vandalism.
Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust Chief Executive, added: “Many trees that we take for granted in our everyday lives have stood the test of time and have so many stories to tell. We want people to give these cherished trees the recognition they deserve by nominating them in this contest.
“This could be the first step towards providing these trees and the woods they inhabit with far greater protection to ensure they have a chance of standing long into the future.”
You can still vote for the trees to represent Scotland and Wales, which, along with the English winner, will be entered in the European Tree of the Year competition in spring 2015. The competition has been running across Europe since 2011, with tens of thousands of votes cast every year.
IKEA, which has been a partner of ours since 2007, is supporting our search to find England’s Tree of the Year.
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