An ancient Oak tree in Monmouth is the only tree in Wales shortlisted for the Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year awards 2022.

Now, residents of Monmouthshire are being asked to vote for the ‘Rolls of Monmouth Oak’ tree as it goes up against 11 other trees in the UK.

Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales is encouraging the Welsh public to vote for the 500-year-old tree situated on the Rolls of Monmouth golf course.

The oak tree has been recognised by its unique features that are said to be a haven for local wildlife in Monmouth.

Voting is now open through the Woodland Trust website and closes on Monday, October 31.

The winner will be announced on Friday, November 4 and will go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2023 contest.

Tree experts from the Woodland Trust chose these 12 trees from hundreds of ancient trees that have been recognised in the Trust’s ‘hall of fame’ for ancient trees, the Ancient Tree Inventory.

Competition judge and ATI lead Tom Reed said: “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.”

As Oak trees support more wildlife than any other native tree species in the UK, the Woodland Trust hopes to highlight the tree’s role in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss through this award.

Reed explained: “Oak trees, in particular, can steal the limelight as they are such awesome and striking specimens.

“Their sheer size captures the imagination, and the events they must have witnessed unfolding beneath their branches during their lifetime are mind-blowing.

“It’s important to remember that while not all ancient and veteran trees are as big as our ancient oaks, they are just as irreplaceable as havens for wildlife and carbon stores.

“All the UK’s remaining ancient woodlands and individual trees are crucial in fighting the climate and nature crisis, but they are also pieces of history with amazing stories to tell.

Woodland Trust head of campaigning Adam Cormack said: “These trees have significant value. Yet very few have legal protection, which currently only comes in very specific circumstances, like if a tree happens to be located in a protected wildlife site. It’s protection by proxy rather than properly protected heritage status.

“After all, some of these trees are more than a thousand years old. We believe that now is the time to give these living legends the legal status they deserve.

“We all want to be able to help to protect these wonderful old trees for centuries to come.”