THE search is on for England’s most prestigious tree, with the Woodland Trust asking people across Trafford to find a contender to become the English ‘Tree of the Year’.

The tree will ultimately do battle with Europe’s finest in the conservation world’s equivalent of Eurovision - the European Tree of the Year competition.

It is a contest the charity is more confident of winning, as England has one of the largest and most diverse concentrations of ancient and veteran trees in Europe, the oldest of which date back to before the creation of the Domesday Book.

The tree does not have to be ancient – a favourite tree of any age, size or species can be nominated as long as it is located in England. Whether it has a personal connection, a link to a significant date in history, a link to historical figure, or for any other reason, all are eligible.

Later in the year the charity will create a shortlist from all entries and the public will be given the chance to vote which tree to put forward for England’s Tree of the Year.

Find out more about the nomination process or submit an entry at woodlandtrust.org.uk.