Devon oak is 'tree of year' finalist

Youngsters want to smother it

A North Molton oak tree that is thought to be around 700 years old is a finalist in the national 'tree of the year' competition.

The Flitton Oak is set in a triangular copse of trees where three roads intersect in North Molton, near to Flitton Oak Barns and is accessed through a gap in the vegetation.

And it's under a murderous threat from nearby younger trees that are trying to smother it.

Happily a rescue plan by East Devon Treecare and Devon County Council is beginning to pay off.

The spectacular ancient oak splays out with eight enormous limbs dripping with moss and lichen - a haven for many species.

It is one of 12 trees that experts at the Woodland Trust and the public have selected  from around the UK, all which have all been recorded on the Trust’s ‘hall of fame’ for ancient trees, the Ancient Tree Inventory.

Voting is via the Woodland Trust website and is open until noon on Monday 31 October.

Competition judge and ATI lead Tom Reed said: “The enthusiasm for ancient and veteran trees and the growing number of records being submitted to the ATI in the past couple of years showed just how much people love and value their trees.

“We selected the trees based on their size and significance for their species and also looked for trees steeped in history as well as trees that had high ecological, aesthetic or cultural value. It’s over to the public to pick a favourite from that impressive list.”

The winning tree will then represent the UK in Europe.