Vote for the Oak
The magnificent Gregynog Oak stands alongside several mammoth trees in Great Wood in the grounds of Gregynog Hall. We are so excited to be named as Wales’ nominee for tree of the year and the Gregynog Oak is a brilliant reminder of Gregynog’s incredible history since the first house was built here in the twelfth century.
The woodland is a globally significant area of Specific Scientific Interest with rare lichens in the ancient oak forest as well as redstarts, pied fly catchers and three types of woodpecker. Gregynog Trust, a charity which took over the management the Hall and Estate from the University of Wales in 2019, is working with the Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust to study the exceptionally biodiverse nature on the estate.
Gregynog is one of Wales’ most important ancient parklands and wood pasture habitats. The woodland at the Hall has just been awarded the status of being part of Wales’ National Forest and the estate is open to everyone every day with miles of woodland paths to explore (a £3 parking fee helps maintain the gardens and woodland) and a brilliant café as well!
Thought to be at least five centuries old, the impressive oak hosts countless species including important lichens. With many an esteemed visitor to the Hall over the years, the likes of Gustav Holst, George Bernard Shaw and Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin may have admired this incredible tree. There is a footpath to the Gregynog Oak from the Hall through the Great Wood and the grounds are open to everyone every day.