ONE of Levens Hall’s famous topiary yews known as the ‘Umbrella Tree’ is in the running to be crowned England’s ‘Tree of the Year.’

The largest topiary tree in the award-winning gardens has been shortlisted by conservation charity the Woodland Trust and now needs votes from members of the public to win the title.

Standing at some 30 feet tall, the Umbrella Tree was planted as a garden feature in the 1690s, when the original garden layout was designed by Monsieur Guillaume Beaumont, gardener to King James II and Col James Grahme.

One of more than 100 unusual and individually designed pieces, the tree has been clipped and reshaped into its iconic umbrella shape annually for the past three centuries, and visitors to the gardens can shelter beneath it from the Cumbrian elements.

The trust, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, is inviting the public to choose from 10 trees across England, with the winner going forward to the European Tree of the Year competition in early 2017.

The winning tree in England will also benefit from a “Tree LC” care grant of £1,000, with any tree receiving more than 1,000 votes receiving a grant of £500. The grant can be used to arrange a health check from an arboriculturalist, provide interpretation or educational materials or simply just hold a celebratory event in honour of the tree.

A panel of experts in each country whittled down nearly 200 public nominations to create shortlists based on the nominees’ story, how they would make use of the grant and visual appeal of the tree.

Chris Crowder, head gardener at Levens Hall, said: “We are fortunate to have a unique collection of ancient and extraordinary topiary characters sculpted from box and yew.

"It’s a very special atmosphere, partly felt through a great sense of continuity. Three centuries of garden-making here have made it a magical place. Each new generation brings a reworking within the historic framework to create fresh and beautiful contemporary plantings.”

Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust Chief Executive, said: “Trees like the Umbrella Tree have stood for hundreds, if not thousands of years and each will have a special place in peoples’ lives. By celebrating them and reminding people of their value we hope to support and influence those who can ensure they continue to thrive for future generations.”

Everyone who votes will be in with a chance of winning a two night stay at a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel of their choice. To see all the shortlists and vote for the Umbrella Tree visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear