Oak has seen civil wars

One of the oldest trees in Britain has been discovered in Shropshire as a result of a national "tree warden" scheme.

King Edward II had just ascended to the English throne when the tree was putting out roots, and over the following years it saw civil wars, uprisings, and the growth of towns like Shrewsbury and Telford out of small hamlets.

The oak tree is thought to be between 600 and 700 years old.

The age of the tree in Frodesley, seven miles south of Shrewsbury, was discovered when an investigation was commissioned by the national Tree Warden Scheme, which helps local people to play an active role in conserving and enhancing trees and woodlands in their area.

Acton Burnell Parish Council has four tree wardens who are available to give advice about trees or put people in touch with experts.

Ron Repath, 62, has been the warden for Frodesley for five years. A self-confessed tree fanatic, he has even planted his own acre of woodland.

"I planted it almost 20 years ago now and it's great. By thinning out the trees we've saved on our oil bill.

"It was useful during the foot and mouth crisis as well because we had somewhere we could walk our dogs, and it's a lovely place to go in the summer when it's very hot."

With such an interest in trees it seemed only natural that Mr Repath would get involved with the warden scheme, and since joining has been involved in the recording, preserving and photography of "veteran" trees.

The oak tree in Frodesley is more than qualified for the title of veteran as it is between 600 and 700 years old, and is probably one of the oldest trees in the country. It is completely hollow, but very healthy, and is surrounded by stories.

"The older people in the town will say it was used for hangings, but we're not sure about that," Mr Repath said. "But it has certainly been here for a long time and seen a lot of people pass through the village."

By Pam Griffin