Wild Wednesday – the magnificent Oak
This week, we celebrate one of Britain's most iconic and beloved trees - the oak.
These trees are a symbol of strength and endurance, often living for hundreds of years. Their broad canopies provide vital shelter for birds, insects, and mammals.
A mature oak tree can produce up to 10 million acorns in its lifetime, feeding birds, squirrels, and deer.
Oaks are biodiversity champions - a single mature tree can support over 2,300 species, making them a cornerstone of our local ecosystems. Their gnarled bark and spreading branches are a haven for mosses, lichens and fungi, and their deep roots help stabilise soil and absorb carbon.
Next time you're out in one of Arun's green spaces, take a moment to admire these gentle giants. Whether you're spotting wildlife or simply enjoying the shade, the oak tree is a living link to our natural heritage.
Here are some facts about oak trees in Sussex:
- Sussex is home to two native oak species: the Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur) and the Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
- the 'Queen Elizabeth Oak' in Cowdray Park - this ancient sessile oak in Midhurst is believed to be over 1,000 years old and is said to have sheltered Queen Elizabeth I in 1591
- Petworth Park in West Sussex is home to over 700 ancient and veteran trees, including many oaks
- the South Downs National Park features many ancient oaks, especially in areas like Kingley Vale and Stanmer Park
The Woodland Trust's Ancient Tree Inventory lists hundreds of ancient oaks across Sussex. You can explore them via a postcode or map: Ancient Tree Inventory - Woodland Trust
The 'Lost Woods project' is a conservation effort is mapping ancient oaks in areas like Lewes, Chailey, and Ditchling, helping protect Sussex's woodland heritage: Home | The Lost Woods Project
Read more here: English oak | The Wildlife Trusts