Tree behind London Road carpark, Newark, nominated for Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year 2021 award

A Newark tree, which was dramatically saved from destruction last month, has been shortlisted for a national award.

The tree, on the green space at Newark Library behind London Road carpark, has been nominated for the Woodland Trust’s 'Tree of the Year 2021' competition.

Estimated to be 120 years old, the sycamore tree was due to be felled along with three others to make way for additional parking spaces.

However, after weeks of protests by Stop The Chop campaigners, Newark and Sherwood District councillors voted to save the trees on November 24.

Now, environmental campaigners are urging people to vote for the sycamore tree in the Woodland Trust's annual competition.

Emma Oldham, who organised a petition which gained over 6,000 signatures in favour of saving the trees, said: “People should vote for the library garden sycamore tree to win ‘Tree of the Year 2021’ because it’s home to different species of bats, insects and birds. It’s an important urban tree that many residents and children use.

"Newark’s library overlooks these trees, making it a calming and inspiring backdrop and this tree, amongst others, inspired Newark-raised author Matt Haig, who’s talked about the library being his safe space.

"This tree has united the community in Newark, who want to live and thrive surrounded by nature."

Now in its seventh year, the Woodland Trust’s contest highlights the UK’s favourite trees, as well as showing their value and need for protection.

The award was won last year by a 150 year old street tree in Hackney, which was later felled by developers

To vote for the library garden sycamore to win ‘Tree of the Year 2021’, click here.