Grantham Oak in the running for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year 2023

Grantham’s famous oak tree is back in the running for a top award, after coming second place in 2020.

The centuries-old Grantham Oak, in Belton Lane, has been shortlisted in the Woodland Trust’s annual Tree of the Year competition.

Despite coming second in 2020, it was not shortlisted in 2021 or last year. Now, it has another chance at the top spot – and you can cast a vote.

The Woodland Trust’s panel of tree experts has shortlisted 12 fascinating urban contenders from across the UK for Tree of the Year 2023 – with one additional tree voted for by the public.

This year’s contest shines a spotlight on ancient trees in urban locations, with every shortlisted specimen able to be visited free of charge by the public.

“Ancient trees in towns and cities are vital for the health of nature, people and planet,” said Naomi Tilley, lead campaigner at the Woodland Trust.

“They give thousands of urban wildlife species essential life support, boost the UK’s biodiversity and bring countless health and wellbeing benefits to communities.

“But most ancient trees aren’t protected by law, and those in urban areas are particularly vulnerable, like one of this year’s nominees – which narrowly escaped being cut down by Sheffield City Council in 2017.”

An oak that survived a wartime bomb, the tree that shaded Queen Elizabeth I on summer picnics and one of the UK’s most famous elms are all in the running.

At more than 500 years old, the Grantham Oak deserves its place in the shortlist.

Towering over Belton Lane, near its junction with Princess Drive, Grantham’s oldest resident predates the surrounding houses by several centuries.

The area has never been parkland, so this tree – which has a girth of 7.02 metres – could be a chance survivor or a lone reminder of the agricultural land that Grantham’s streets now occupy.

To give this ancient oak the care it deserves, the Woodland Trust worked with South Kesteven District Council and residents to install a protective surface and barrier to keep the tree safe from harm.

In 2023, cuttings from the Grantham Oak were grafted on to rootstock from the Bowthorpe Oak, another local ancient oak located nearby on the estate of Grimsthorpe Castle. The resulting 23 saplings can be considered descendants of the Grantham Oak and will preserve the hardy genetic traits that have helped it live so long.

“Trees like those in the shortlist are remarkable and deserve celebration – and protection,” Naomi said.

“YouGov polling shows 83 per cent of people in Great Britain support giving ancient trees legally protected heritage status.

“What’s more, 85 per cent of people think national government and its agencies should have responsibility for protecting them. The stats show just how much these trees mean to people.”

SKDC councillors Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, who share SKDC cabinet responsibilities for environment and waste, said: “The council worked with the Woodland Trust and campaigners to add a cordon and protective surface around this majestic tree to protect its roots from vehicle damage and ensure its continued health and safety.

“The Grantham Oak is a clear contender for the Woodland Trust Tree of the Year awards which this year has an urban theme.

“All nominations are ancient trees in urban areas around the UK, the idea of the contest being to raise awareness of the value of these Living Legends to people and wildlife in urban communities.

“South Kesteven District Council is an enthusiastic supporter of our tree population and I’d urge everyone to follow the web link to vote for our local hero.”

Coun Ellis added: “We are very fortunate to have the Woodland Trust headquarters based in Grantham.

“Oak trees are undoubtedly England's most iconic trees. A single tree can live up to 1,000 years and support more biodiversity than any other British plant.

“Trees are a vital component of our world as they cool the air and stabilise soils and it is our aim to plant more trees in Grantham as part of our climate action plan. In the meantime, we hope that you will vote for our very lovely local oak tree.”

People who love the tree have left these reviews with the Woodland Trust:

“An absolutely gorgeous tree which you simply can't fail to notice. My little girl calls it the 'fat and wrinkly' tree.”

“Driving past this tree recently, it was lovely to see a gentleman there with his hand on the tree's 'belly' showing it to his young child in a pushchair.”

The winner will represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition.

Voting for the Woodland Trust’s 2023 Tree of the Year is open now until Sunday, October 15 at woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear

This year's winner will be announced on Thursday, October 19.