Earlier this month we reported on the Ancient Oak Tree on CEMEX land close to Wickwar Quarry, which Frank Hogg has successfully protected from proposed pruning. It was nominated in the 2018 Woodland Trust ‘Tree of the Year’ competition: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/tree-of-the-year-2018-nominations/

The latest news is that Frank has been contacted again by the Ancient Tree Forum to advise his tree is shortlisted as a finalist, and the judges are visiting the site in mid-September to see for themselves the majestic Oak which is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. The finalists will be listed on the website and the public are asked to vote for their favourite tree. There is £1,000 prize up for grabs for the winning tree which can be used for the tree’s management (e.g. tree work, fencing, interpretation). In previous years, Channel 4 produced a documentary about the finalists of the competition so we’re hoping for some more publicity for our Oak and for Frank’s sterling conservation work.

The results of the competition are out w/c 25th November to coincide with National Tree Week – well done again Frank and let’s hope your Oak wins Tree of the Year!