Oak – Quercus robur (Mature)

Description

English Oak, Quercus robur, is probably the most recognisable tree in the UK. In my opinion it is the tree of the countryside. Ancient Oaks live in all areas of the country and I understand they can survive at altitudes of between one thousand and one thousand five hundred feet. Farmers were payed grants by governments in the nineteen sixties to industrialise the countryside by removing hedges and trees, thousands of ancient oaks were bulldozed and burned. Ancient Oaks are still being lost due to government policies, now related to transport progress. Oaks are now being planted in new woodland which will go someway to replacing the loss, amazingly now again, payed for by the government. My view is that more individual trees are required in all areas to help the mammals and insects spread back. Apparently an ancient oak can be home to thousands of insects, birds and mammals. Oak will grow in any soil type, it does grow best where the soil is deep.