Addlestone’s oldest resident, and one of Britain’s oldest trees, the Crouch Oak has been shortlisted for English Tree of the year.
Dr Ben Spencer MP today met with Mr Ian Mawson, Chairman of the Addlestone Historical Society, responsible for putting forward the nomination to the Woodland Trust.
Believed to mark the former edge of Windsor Forest the Crouch Oak has a rich history. From being a reputed site John Wycliffe chose to preach radical church reform from in the 14th Century, to a picnic destination for Queen Elizabeth I, the Crouch Oak is truly a part of our local heritage.
Having faced threat on at least 3 occasions, from young maidens stripping its bark to make love potions in the 19th Century, concerns over structural safety (which resulted in the tree being supported, rather than removed), and an arson attempt in 2007, it is a delight that the Crouch Oak remains as a symbol of our history and heritage.
The Crouch Oak is quite simply an awesome tree, representing the rich history of Runnymede and Weybridge. It has seen through many key moments in our history: we know it was standing during the English Civil War, but who knows whether if it was just a sapling when Magna Carta was signed? Please vote for our local heritage and vote for the Crouch Oak to become England’s Tree of the Year.
We are all custodians of our local environment and heritage, and it is up to all of us to ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy seeing Addlestone’s oldest resident. I am grateful to the work of the Addlestone Historical Society to keep that knowledge and enthusiasm alive within our community. - Dr Ben Spencer MP
Commenting, Mr Mawson said:
The Crouch Oak is a rare example of an ancient oak and has been a well loved landmark in Addlestone for centuries. Its name is well known and found in local place names and businesses that recognise its value. I am delighted that it has been shortlisted for “Tree of the Year” and if successful the award will contribute towards its future well being.
The Addlestone Historical Society nominated the Crouch Oak for Tree of the year having previously obtained grant funding to explore the history of the tree. Provided with a large branch, pruned by the Council in 2001, the Society determined the branch alone dated from 1670.
To vote for the Crouch Oak as England Tree of the Year, please visit https://campaigns.woodlandtrust.org.uk/page/66211/data/1?supporter.questions.285157=Tree%206. Voting closes on 24 September. The Tree of the Year competition is organised by the Woodland Trust. The winner will announced later in the year, and will be put forward to European tree of the year.
To find out more about the Addlestone Historical Society, visit https://www.addlestonehistory.net/.
