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The Ancient Oaks of Cowdray Park

A fortunate break in the rain last week gave me the perfect opportunity to visit a trio of ancient oaks, the most famous being the Queen Elizabeth Oak, a sessile oak over 1,000 years old growing in Cowdray Park. The neighbouring two oaks, one of which is aptly named the Lady in Waiting, are of a similar age, at around 1,000 and 800 years old respectively. Oaks of this age are remarkable sights, bearing the scars of centuries of life through the seasons. Their decaying wood provides a rich habitat for a whole variety of organisms, from fungi to insects. For me, the historical context of these trees is significant. Some of them would have been growing here before the Norman Conquest in 1066. Countless generations have walked past these oaks, and today it’s my turn to enjoy their company and, hopefully, many future generations will be able to appreciate their presence and their history for years to come. The Woodland Trust’s Ancient Tree Inventory is a wonderful resource for anyone seeking out ancient trees in their area. And if you know of a tree that isn’t yet listed, you can make a record and add it, helping ensure these ancient trees receive the protection they deserve. A large lime tree also makes an appearance at the end - and it's full of mistletoe.