500-year-old sweet chestnut crowned tree of the year

A Wrexham sweet chestnut – thought to be almost 500-years-old – has been crowned UK Tree of the Year 2023.

The tree, located in Acton Park, overcame its rivals to win the title from 13 finalists.

The crouch oak in Addlestone, Surrey, placed second in the vote.

The Woodland Trust said the sweet chestnut was a symbol of the city’s resilience, having survived “post-war plundering” and “dozens of deadly storms”.

Previous winners of the competition include the Sycamore Gap next to Hadrian’s Wall. It won the main prize in 2016 before it was felled last month.

This year’s contest celebrated the best trees in the UK’s urban areas, including city parks, towns and residential streets.

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Jack Taylor, lead campaigner for Woods Under Threat at the Woodland Trust, said the sweet chestnut was “an amazing and deserved winner”.

Hugh Jones, Wrexham Council’s lead member for the environment and technical department, said officials were “delighted” the tree had won.

“We would like to thank the people of Wrexham and the wider population who took the time to vote,” he added.

“It goes to show that the Wrexham sweet chestnut has inspired people for so many years and is now getting some well-deserved recognition.”

Wrexham’s sweet chestnut will now go on to represent the UK at the European Tree of the Year 2024 contest.

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