480-Year-Old Sweet Chestnut Tree in Wrexham shortlisted for Tree of the Year”

A Sweet Chestnut Tree in Wrexham which is believed to be around 480 years old is in the running to be crowned ‘Tree of the Year’.

The iconic tree, in Acton Park, is amongst 12 urban contenders from across the UK to have been shortlisted by the Woodland Trust’s panel of tree experts.

This year’s contest shines a spotlight on ancient trees in urban locations; all are in accessible locations and available to visit completely free any time (located in city parks, busy town centres and residential streets).

Wrexham Sweet Chestnut Tree (Credit Woodland Trust)

Each one has an amazing story to tell and is loved by locals, as well as providing vital habitat for wildlife, helping to reduce flooding, screen out noise, provide shade, filter air pollution, increase property values and bring cultural capital to our streets and parks.

In Acton Park the Veteran Sweet Chestnut Tree has become a feature of community events, such as this year’s tree party celebrations.

It is well loved by locals for its history, value and beauty – with the tree measuring an impressive circumference of 6.1m and a height of 24m.

This suggests that the tree has been standing for around 480 years!

It has withstood many challenges during its half-millennium, from post-war plundering of the park for firewood in the forties to dozens of deadly storms, including that of 2021 when many neighbouring trees lost limbs or were toppled completely.

Wrexham Sweet Chestnut Tree (Credit Woodland Trust)

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Environment at Wrexham Council, said: “It is fabulous to see this tree being celebrated – it’s in an area loved by the local community and popular with foragers; hopefully everyone in Wales will get involved, and vote for it to win.”

“Ancient trees in towns and cities are vital for the health of nature, people and the planet. They give thousands of urban wildlife species essential life support, boost the UK’s biodiversity and bring countless health and wellbeing benefits to communities,” added Clare Morgan at Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales.

This year’s winner will be announced later this year on Thursday 19 October and will go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition.

The Welsh public is being encouraged to vote for the Wrexham Sweet Chestnut and help to crown it this year’s champion; voting for the Woodland Trust’s 2023 Tree of the Year is open now until Sunday, 15 October.