A TREE which has grown near a Powys village for more than 500 years has been shortlisted for a national prize.

A dozen magnificent oaks have been chosen for the shortlist for this year’s Tree of the Year contest, with the public now able to vote for their favourite with the Gregynog Oak near Tregynon included.

Thought to be at least five centuries old, the impressive oak hosts countless species including important lichens. With many an esteemed visitor to the Hall over the years, the likes of Gustav Holst, George Bernard Shaw and Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin may have admired this incredible tree. There is a footpath to the Gregynog Oak from the Hall through the Great Wood and the grounds are open to everyone every day.

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The Woodland Trust said 11 trees on the theme of magnificent oaks had been chosen by a panel of tree experts, along with one nominated by members of the public via social media.

They include oaks which are over a thousand years old, many with huge girths, individuals sporting ancient graffiti and a wide array of wildlife, hanging on in Sitka spruce plantations or threatened with felling for a bypass.

As the Woodland Trust is campaigning for more robust legal protections for the country’s most valuable trees, the charity said it was an obvious choice to select oaks – which are “ingrained in our heritage” – to make up the shortlist.

As in previous years, the winning tree in the poll, which is open until October 21, will go forward to compete in the European Tree of the Year contest early next year.

Dr Kate Lewthwaite, citizen science manager at the Woodland Trust, said: “We chose the iconic oak because it captures people’s imaginations – from their leaves to their acorns, these trees are ingrained in our heritage – and the ancients are so impressive in terms of their sheer size and age.

“It’s humbling to think how many events these trees have lived through, and that reaching full maturity they can stand for hundreds of years as ancient trees – all the while continuing to provide vital habitat as they hollow and produce dead wood,” she said.

Adam Cormack, head of campaigns at the Woodland Trust said: “The history of our country is interwoven with these wonderful trees, which have built our ships and cities, and after which we have named so many places – and pubs!

“It is essential that future generations have the opportunity to stand under a centuries-old oak and wonder what stories it holds.”

The Gregynog Oak, which stands among several mammoth trees in wildlife-rich Great Wood in the grounds of Gregynog Hall in Powys, could have been admired by the likes of Gustav Holst and George Bernard Shaw, who are known to have visited the property.

The news has been hailed at Gregynog Hall.

Spokesperson Lydia Bassett said: "We are so excited to be named as Wales’ tree of the year and the Gregynog Oak is a brilliant reminder of Gregynog’s incredible history since the first house was built here in the twelfth century.

"The woodland is a globally significant area of Specific Scientific Interest with rare lichens in the ancient oak forest as well as redstarts, pied fly catchers and three types of woodpecker.

"Gregynog Trust, a charity which took over the management the Hall and Estate from the University of Wales in 2019,  is working with the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust to study the exceptionally biodiverse nature on the estate.

Gregynog is one of Wales’ most important ancient parklands and wood pasture habitats. The woodland has just been awarded the status of being part of Wales’ National Forest and the estate is open to everyone every day with miles of woodland paths to explore.

This Bank Holiday Weekend Gregynog is hosting its Forest Fairy Trail from 10am-4pm.

 

 

 

the easiest place to reach and hence it’s always very quiet; I get a real sense of peace and solitude here,” she said.