Oak, Harleston, Yvonne Seaman 1/3
Oak, Harleston, Yvonne Seaman 2/3
Acorns, Harleston, Yvonne Seaman 3/3

Common (English) Oak and Sessile Oak Quercus robur and Quercus petraea

The Oak tree is the iconic tree of the UK. It spends 300 years growing, 300 years resting and 300 years declining. The largest Oak in Britain would take nine adults finger tip to finger tip to hug it. This tree can sustain a large variety of wildlife, especially insects.

Conservation status

Veteran oaks support a huge range of other wildlife and, like other ancient trees, need protection for their wildlife and landscape value.

Related questions & advice

What is a tree preservation order?
What trees are best for wildlife?
Does ivy damage trees?

Details

Did you know? Known by some as the king of the forest, according to some sources the English oak can live for over 1,000 years, and grow up to 40m (125ft) high. Mature trees are normally home to lots of wildlife species.

Until the middle of the 19th century when iron became the material of choice for building ships,  many thousands of oak trees were felled every year. It was estimated that it took 2,000 trees to make a single ship, and eventually laws were passed to protect the oak.

How to recognise
Where to see
When to see
Find out more
How to help

Whats on?

March 2024
MTWTFSS
26
27
28
29
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Share this