Vote now to make Shugborough Yew“England’s Tree of the Year”

The Shugborough Yew in Staffordshire, the widest tree in Europe (and possibly the world), has been shortlisted in the Woodland Trust’s search for England’s Tree of the Year.

Named in a shortlist of 10 - alongside a tree made famous by Robin Hood, one with its own website, and another which is said to have inspired the theory of gravity - the Shugborough Yew was one of over 200 nominations from across the country. And the public now has until November 4th to vote for their favourite entry from the final shortlist.

The winner will then represent England against competitors from Wales, Scotland and elsewhere in Europe in a competition run by the Environmental Partnership Association in April 2015.

The final ten shortlisted trees, chosen with input from experts at the Woodland Trust, National Trust, Ancient Tree Forum, Natural England and Tree Register of the British Isles are:-Ankerwycke Yew, Runnymede, Surrey-Kett’s Oak, Norfolk-Major Oak, Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire-Allerton Oak, Liverpool-Whiteleaved Oak, Herefordshire-Shugborough Yew, Staffordshire-Big Bellied Oak, Savernake Forest, Wiltshire-Newton’s Apple Tree, Lincolnshire-Old Knobbley, Essex-Ickwell Oak, Bedfordshire

Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Specialist Jill Butler said: “We sometimes take our trees for granted, but every nomination in this contest reminds us how trees are incredibly significant in people’s lives, over many years. More importantly we want this recognition to be a step in ensuring all our special trees can be protected for future generations to enjoy.”

Shugborough's giant yew is thought to be over 350 years old, with the widest span of any tree in the UK. The circumference measures an incredible 200 yards and is thought to be the widest tree in Britain and Ireland, covering an area the size of the Royal Albert Hall and steadily spreading.

Cllr Mark Winnington, Cabinet Member responsible for Shugborough at Staffordshire County Council and a Woodland Trust Tree Champion himself said: “We are very excited that the Shugborough Great Yew has been shortlisted for Tree of the Year. As the widest tree in Europe and possibly the world, it covers over three quarters of an acre and has recently been filmed from the air by the BBC with a crowd of 168 people holding hands around its enormous circumference. It has also had clippings taking from it to aid

scientists in cancer research.  It is an integral part of the Grade One listed internationally important landscape at Shugborough and I do hope that the public vote for such a wonderful feature in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.”

Staff and management at the Staffordshire County Council managed estate are now encouraging everyone to head to the Woodland Trust’s website at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/vote, and to give their support to the giant Yew before voting ends on November 4th.

Ends

For further information, and photo-opportunities, please contact:Corinne CaddyTel: 01889 881388E-mail: corinne.caddy@staffordshire.gov.uk

Notes to editors:For further information contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 581121 or email chrishickman@woodlandtrust.org.uk

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading charity championing native woods and trees. It has over 400,000 supporters. The Trust has three key aims: i) plant native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife ii) protect ancient woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable iii) restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to lifeEstablished in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). Access to its woods is free.