A 'remarkable' Warwickshire oak dating back to the 1840s is in the running to be named the UK's favourite tree. The sprawling Holm Oak in Leamington Spa's award-winning Jephson Gardens has been put forward by an expert panel for the Woodland Trust's national contest celebrating urban trees.
The distinctive oak, which has a web of twisted branches, is thought to have been one of the original trees planted when the land and walks along the River Leam were developed into formal gardens during the 1840s. Councillor Will Roberts, Warwick District Council’s neighbourhood services boss, said: "This remarkable tree is amongst much loved ‘elders’ of the Gardens.
"Thanks to the ongoing care and intervention provided by the District Council’s Green Spaces team, with support from the County Council’s Arborists, these have stood for almost two centuries for the enjoyment of generations of visitors. It's therefore wonderful to see the Lakeside Holm Oak recognised in this way and I encourage everyone to get online to give it their vote."
The Leamington Oak is one of 13 trees across the UK that have made it through to the public vote. You can vote for it at the Tree of the Year webpage on the Woodland Trust website. The deadline passes on October 15.
The winner will be announced on October 19 and go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition.
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