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North Dorset tree shortlisted for England's Tree of the Year 2019

18th century London Plane tree at Bryanston School towers nearly 50 metres.

Three enormous trees stand west of the River Stour between Bryanston School and Blandford Forum, a few hundred yards south of the school church. The central tree, a London Plane, is just shorter than Nelson's Column, making it the tallest broadleaf tree in the UK and one of the biggest in Europe.

In 2015, Bryanston school pupils Hannah and Robert succeeded in scaling and measuring the tree with a 100m tape measure attached to a pole. The height from the ground to the highest bud was confirmed as 49.67m.

Bryanston School Head Woodman Toby Stayner told 麻豆官网首页入口 Radio Solent's Laurence Herdman: "It was originally planted in 1749 to mark the centenary of the execution of Charles I."

In total, ten trees have been shortlisted by the Woodland Trust, with the winner to be chosen by a public vote.

Contenders also include a Dragon Tree at Brighstone on the Isle of Wight. This oak has huge snaking boughs, one of which forms a bridge over the brook below. It is thought it took on its unique shape after it was blown down in a storm and managed to re-root, though legend suggests it was a dragon slain by a knight before turning to wood.

England's Tree of the Year 2019 winner could compete in the 2020 European Tree of the Year award. Judges will select the UK representative from the winner of national contests in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each winner will also be awarded 拢1,000 to be spent on improving the tree's health, signage or a community celebration. Voting closes on 27 September.

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