Herefordshire
Brampton Bryan
The Harley Estate lies on the borders of Herefordshire and Shropshire close to the market towns of Ludlow, Knighton and Leominster. The Estate, set in magnificent and historic border country, encompasses a range of rural based enterprises from farming, forestry and film location, to sporting and other special events.
It is listed in Aljos Farjon's book "Ancient Oaks in the English Landscape" as one of the 23 most important sites for ancient oaks in England, containing 35 trees over 6m in girth. Our founder Benedict added two more to the list during his many visits to this beautiful estate, which he first explored in 2015.
Many of our largest available oaklings are ten-year-old Brampton Bryan specimens, between 4m and 5m tall, the acorns having been sourced from around a dozen fine trees.
https://www.harleyestate.co.uk/
The Sentinel
Species: Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak)
Estimated Age in 2025: 927 years
Form: Natural Pollard - a truly sturdy old Being this one, standing watch over miles of Herefordshire and Shropshire.
Girth at 1.5m: 9.28m (measured in 2019)
Estimated Year of Birth: 1098
Reigning Monarch at the time: William II
Story: one of a few very large old oaks at Brampton Bryan, Storm Arwen in late November 2021 blew the top out of the tree, much to the concern of the Harleys. However, the trunk remained totally in tact and a new lower 'canopy' is now growing with much vigour, and it is expected that Arwen has most likely prolonged the life of the tree.
Sizes available (and approximate prices):
75-175cm, 7L: £141 to £201 (4 available)
125-200cm, 12L: £151 to £291 (2 + 2 available)
150-250cm, 15L: £271 to £371 (28 available)
200-275cm, 20L: £251 (23 available)
300-400cm, 70L (2 available)
300-400cm, 90L (4 + 2 available)
400-450cm, 130L (1 available)
Oakling ages: up to 10 years old (seed gathered in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020, 2025).
ID codes: BP 1556, 1579, 1590, 1894.
Baobab Oak
Species: Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak)
Estimated Age: 830 years (but probably younger on account of the considerable burring)
Form: Pollard
Girth at 1.5m: 8.95m (measured in 2015)
Estimated Year of Birth: 1192
Reigning Monarch at the time: Richard the Lionheart
Story: the first time Benedict approached this tree, he called it 'grumpy oak' as it felt like there was a forcefield around it and it did NOT want anyone nearby. After much humbling and deepening into a more reverent and respectful attitude, it eventually softened. Always give thanks to the tree and ask permission first!
Sizes available (and approximate prices):
125-175cm, 7L: £181 to £201 (only 2 available)
150-250cm, 15L: £221 to £341 (only 3 available)
300-400cm, 90L (4 available)
Oakling ages: up to 10 years old (seed gathered in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020).
ID codes: BP 1558, 1593.