Tree of the Year deadline is near

Brian Blessed is urging people to nominate a tree that is special to them in the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year contest as the July 30 deadline approaches.

People are asked to nominate a tree “with a story,” which could be a link to a historical event, a personal memory, or a tree at the heart of a community.

Blessed, a supporter of the charity, said: “Trees are more than just a bit of greenery; they are intriguing characters that have become a beloved part of our landscape and history. They deserve to celebrated and cherished. It reminds me of a Pamela Tennant poem: ‘But at night do you believe they’re trees? They’re little old men with twisted knees’!”

Winning trees will benefit from a tree care award of up to £1,000, and anyone wishing to nominate can do so at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear