On Monday, September 19, The Trust released its final shortlist of ten landmark trees across England: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/tree-of-the-year/england/
The ancient Elm tree became headline news two years ago when it was earmarked for felling to make way for a new roundabout. It was saved by local people who formed a 4,000 strong protest group led by local resident, Millie Fergusson.
In response to the campaign, the council promptly redrew the road alignment and the elm was saved. This much-loved local landmark is also part of Britain's National Elm Collection – a grand old street tree too precious to lose.
The Elm was nominated for the Woodland Trust’s 2016 competition by the Brighton and Hove group of CPRE Sussex.
"As members of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, we are supporters of green and beautiful spaces in both town and country,” says CPRE’s Penny Hudd. “We also firmly believe that local people should have a real voice in shaping the places where they live and work. Saving the 7 Dials elm is a great example of both.”
CPRE Sussex is now calling on local people to vote for the Elm before the deadline of 5pm on October 9.
“It would be lovely for a ‘street tree’ to win this year’s title.” says Penny.
