Tree of the Month - January
Trees in back gardens often won't be spotted by volunteers looking out for exceptional specimens, and there are bound to be some outstanding examples which have yet to find a place on the Tree Register.
One of the first trees to be added in 2025 was 'Joy's Oak', in a small suburban garden in Liss in Hampshire, which becomes one of the biggest Hungarian Oaks (Quercus frainetto) in Britain, with a girth of 5.63m. The magnificent domed crown is characteristic of the species, but this one branches from unusually low on the bole. It's named after Mr Joy who is believed to have planted it.
The garden designer and broadcaster Dan Pearson grew up under this tree, and it was his memories that led volunteer measurer Ron Kemeny to seek it out.
(Photo: Ron Kemeny)