South Hams District Council recognises veteran oak tree at celebration event

South Hams District Council is continuing its work to tackle climate change and support biodiversity by recognising a veteran oak tree at Longmarsh, Totnes.

The tree, which is located on council land, has been formally recognised by the Woodland Trust and uploaded to the Ancient Tree Inventory. An information board has now been installed next to the tree to educate and inform the public about its importance to the local area.

The tree - South Hams District Council 

With an estimated age of 254 years, the tree provides a home for a vast array of local wildlife and can be found a short walk from the car park at Longmarsh. 

A celebration event marking the tree has now taken place. In attendance were Year 6 pupils from Berry Pomeroy Parochial Church of England School, councillors from South Hams District Council, Berry Pomeroy Parish Council and Totnes Town Council. 

See a video of the event here: 

The school pupils planted some trees near the veteran oak tree, to help inspire the next generation to look after the natural environment. 

Adam, a pupil from the Oak class at the school, said: "I've learnt that the tree has seen a lot, and a lot has happened to it. I've learnt how it benefits both us and nature. Tree planting is fun and essential. We're doing what we can to help our world. People are cutting them down and we have to help the trees to survive."
 
His classmate, Phoebe, added: "We came here to plant some trees and see an information board be revealed about the tree. It's reversing deforestation, because if every time you cut down a tree you plant a new one then the world would be a much better place."

Annette Smith, Head of School at Berry Pomeroy Parochial Church of England School, said: “We were invited by South Hams District Council to celebrate the veteran tree. It was a really exciting opportunity for the Oak class at our school. All of our classes are named after trees: Acorns, Seedlings, Saplings and Oak.

"This was a perfect celebration of all their years of primary school which mimic the age of the tree. We wanted the children to see firsthand how impressive and important the tree is.”

Everyone benefitted from a talk from the Woodland Trust, as well as from council staff who explained the importance of celebrating and protecting the tree. 

Cllr John McKay, Lead Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, added: “We have made no secret of the fact that we have declared a climate emergency, and that’s why events like these are really important. 

“We’ve stood up for nature and the need to combat climate change in ways that include the planting of 25,000 trees at Hope Wood, or even our switch to more electric vehicles for our fleet. This event recognises this magnificent oak.

"It shows that we’re respecting its importance, and we hope the day had a lasting impression on the pupils who attended and they will pursue an interest in the natural world.”

Rosie Walker, Regional External Affairs Officer at the Woodland Trust, said: “It’s really important that trees such as the magnificent oak at Longmarsh are recognised and protected. To work alongside South Hams District Council at the event and to officially record the tree on our Ancient Tree Inventory is really pleasing.” 

Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Chair of the Council, was on hand to formally unveil the information board alongside attendees.

Discussing the event, Cllr Hodgson said: “This oak tree at Longmarsh has stood proudly for many decades, providing a home for wildlife, enriching our environment, and reminding us of the enduring value of the natural world.

“As a council, we have declared a Climate Emergency. Recognising and protecting this tree is just one example of the work being undertaken to combat climate change and support biodiversity across the South Hams.

“It was pleasing to see pupils from Berry Pomeroy Parochial Church of England School attend the event. We hope they found the occasion educational, interesting and inspiring.”