Posted on 7th Dec
A sycamore tree among four saved from the chop by a public campaign that led to Newark and Sherwood District Council reversing its decision to extend a car park on London Road is among the nominees for a national Tree of The Year award.
The Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year competition is a popular annual event covering the whole country.
Now in its seventh year, the contest highlights the UK’s favourite trees to help show their value and need for protection.
To vote goto to https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/british-trees/tree-of-the-year/
Adam Cormack, head of campaigning for the Woodland Trust, said Tree of The Year is a reminder of the natural connection that we have with trees.
He added: “It’s all about that ‘wow’ moment that people get when they see a tree they appreciate.
“This could be standing under a magnificent old oak or noticing the autumn colours of a street tree on the school run.
“This connection is something that children and adults share. Trees can make us happy, healthy, thoughtful — or upset when they are lost from our lives. The nominations we receive for Tree of the Year on social media are a window into the way we experience trees and the richness they bring to our lives.
“But Tree of The Year has a serious message. Many of our oldest and most special trees in the UK have no form of legal protection.
“It’s time that our oldest trees got the same protection as our oldest buildings.
“Our built heritage and our natural heritage are both important and both worthy of protection. After all, once they’re gone ancient trees can never be replaced like for like.
“Trees deserve to take centre stage. Tree of the Year is a simple way to show our love of trees at a time when trees are so vital to fight the climate and nature crisis.”
The winner will represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2022 contest.
The nomination for the Newark tree read: “A much-loved mature sycamore saved by the community in Newark, who stopped the chop for a car park.
“All the hard campaigning shows the power of peaceful protests — and thankfully this glorious specimen will continue to be part of the community for years to come.”
