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Woodland Trust initiative examines 'Robin Hood' tree's famous roots

 

Tom Bawden
Friday 15 August 2014 08:46 BST
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Major oak, Sherwood Forest: Probably the most famous old tree in the country, the Major Oak is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. Folklore suggests it was used as a hideout by Robin Hood and his merry men, while the Sheriff of Nottingham and
Major oak, Sherwood Forest: Probably the most famous old tree in the country, the Major Oak is estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 years old. Folklore suggests it was used as a hideout by Robin Hood and his merry men, while the Sheriff of Nottingham and (Rex Features)

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An oak tree reputedly used as a hideout by Robin Hood and a sycamore credited with starting the trade union movement are among the leading contenders in a competition to find Britain’s best trees.

The Woodland Trust is calling on the public to put forward entries for English Tree of the Year by 29 September and to vote on a winner during October. The winner will be entered in the European Tree of the Year competition – the conservation world’s Eurovision – alongside the best Scottish and Welsh trees.

The Trust hopes that the competition will highlight the importance of individual trees and help secure greater protection and support, as many remain at risk from development, disease and vandalism.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Tree: The ‘Martyrs’ – labourers seen as the first trade union – met under the Dorset sycamore in the 1830s.
Tolpuddle Martyrs Tree: The ‘Martyrs’ – labourers seen as the first trade union – met under the Dorset sycamore in the 1830s. (Alamy)

Woodland Trust chief executive Beccy Speight said: “Many trees that we take for granted in our everyday lives have stood the test of time and have so many stories to tell.

Croft Castle sweet chestnuts: The 400-year-old trees are said to have grown from seeds salvaged from a Spanish Armada shipwreck.
Croft Castle sweet chestnuts: The 400-year-old trees are said to have grown from seeds salvaged from a Spanish Armada shipwreck. (Alamy)

“We want people to give these cherished trees the recognition they deserve by nominating them in this contest [through the Woodland Trust website].”

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