A call has gone out for people to vote for the Grantham Oak to be crowned Tree of the Year in a contest run by the Woodland Trust.

It is recognised as one of the most impressive urban trees in Grantham and situated on the east side of Belton Lane, is surrounded by a crescent of houses.

The Grantham Oak is a pedunculate or English Oak – quercus robur – and has a girth of 7.02m when measured at 1.5m above the ground.

South Kesteven District Council has long been a supporter of the tree, and information signs direct visitors from Wyndham Park and Queen Elizabeth Park after funding was awarded to the council when the tree achieved runner-up status in Tree of the Year 2021.

Cllrs Patsy Ellis and Rhys Baker, who share SKDC Cabinet responsibilities for Environment and Waste, said: "The Council worked with the Woodland Trust and campaigners to add a cordon and protective surface around this majestic tree to protect its roots from vehicle damage and ensure its continued health and safety.

"The Grantham Oak is a clear contender for the Woodland Trust Tree of the Year awards which this year has an urban theme.

"All nominations are ancient trees in urban areas around the UK, the idea of the contest being to raise awareness of the value of these Living Legends to people and wildlife in urban communities.

"South Kesteven District Council is an enthusiastic supporter of our tree population and I'd urge everyone to follow the web link to vote for our local hero."

You can vote online.  

Cllr Ellis added: "We are very fortunate to have the Woodland Trust headquarters based in Grantham.

"Oak Trees are undoubtedly England's most iconic trees. A single tree can live up to 1,000 years and support more biodiversity than any other British plant. 

"Trees are a vital component of our world as they cool the air and stabilise soils and it is our aim to plant more trees in Grantham as part of our Climate Action plan. In the meantime, we hope that you will vote for our very lovely local oak tree."

People who love the tree have left these reviews with the Woodland Trust:

"An absolutely gorgeous tree which you simply can't fail to notice. My little girl calls it the 'fat and wrinkly' tree."

"Driving past this tree recently, it was lovely to see a gentleman there with his hand on the tree's 'belly' showing it to his young child in a pushchair."

This year's contest is set to inspire people about ancient urban trees and talk about the value of urban trees to communities and wildlife. The winning tree will go on to be in the 'European Tree of the Year' competition.