182. Royal Oak
Quite simply, the star of west London.
At anything up to 800 years old, the Royal Oak is probably the oldest tree in Richmond Park, and is certainly the most picturesque. It is not tall, but what it lacks in stature, it makes up for with a splendid fat, hollow trunk that could accommodate a five-a-side football team. It is of such significance that it commands its own enclosure between Sidmouth Wood and Queen Elizabeth’s Plantation.
Species details
Pedunculate oak
Quercus robur
Where to find it
Richmond Park, Star and Garter Hill, Richmond TW10 5HS
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Hear more about the Royal Oak
A few weeks ago, on a very cold February morning, I chatted to Liv Bolton about the Royal Oak and my journey Tree Hunting across the UK and Ireland for her brilliant podcast, The Outdoors Fix. Have a listen wherever you get your podcasts, or click on one of the links below.
It looks like an olive tree, I guess by its short stature. Marvellous "bicho"
How glorious!! 💚