Hamilton’s ‘Tree of the Year’ Contender Wins A Prize

The famous Cadzow Oak was a runner-up in the national Woodland Trust competition, following a public vote.

The tree was nominated by Monica, who has embraced the role of Oak Champion in the Scottish Parliament. The Cadzow Oak, at Chatelherault Country Park receives a £500 Care Award, thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. The Chatelherault team is also being offered the services of a professional aboriculturist to provide a report on the tree’s health and condition.

Monica said “The Cadzow Oaks are the heritage trees that they talk about in fairy tales. Growing up locally, Chatelherault Country Park is very special to me and the Cadzow Oaks are just fascinating. It was a delight to nominate the enchanting tree. I know the South Lanarkshire Council staff and volunteers who look after the oaks at Chatelherault Country Park will be delighted to receive £500 towards the care and upkeep of the tree. Thanks to everyone who voted and I hope the people of Lanarkshire, and beyond will be able to enjoy these very special trees for more centuries to come.”

The tree is one of 300 very ancient oaks growing on what were the hunting grounds of the Duke of Hamilton, and one of a handful easily accessible to the public within Chatelherault Country Park. Between 600 and 800 years old it is a very large and hollow ancient tree, predating the nearby medieval castle. It suffered damage from a fire set in its hollow a couple of years ago but survives.  The Cadzow oakwoods provided much inspiration to the Cadzow Artists, a school of landscape painters including Horatio McCulloch (1805-67) and Samuel Bough (1822-78).