THE search is on to find Worcestershire’s most prestigious tree and people in Droitwich are being invited to suggest their favourite trees to find a contender for an international competition

The ‘Tree of the Year’ competition is being organised by the Woodland Trust as a way of celebrating the country’s ancient and veteran trees, some of which date back to before the Domesday Book.

More than 3,500 trees in Worcestershire are already recorded on the Woodland Trust’s ancient tree inventory, but to be entered for the competition, trees can be any age, size or species.

The Woodland Trust is looking for trees with a personal connection, a story to tell, or a link to a significant date in history or a historical figure.

The charity will take the Worcestershire nominations and put them forward for the title of England’s Tree of the Year, before the winner is put forward for the title of European Tree of the Year.

Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust chief executive, said: “Many trees that we take for granted in our everyday lives have stood the test of time and have so many stories to tell. We want people to give these cherished trees the recognition they deserve by nominating them in this contest.

“This could be the first step towards providing these trees and the woods they inhabit with far greater protection to ensure they have a chance of standing long into the future.”

To find out more about the nomination process or submit an entry, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk.