West Sussex
Cowdray Park
A magnificent multi-faceted estate in the South Downs National Park, Cowdray has some remarkable old oaks, including the famous Queen Elizabeth I Oak, one of the five largest oaks in Britain, measured by trunk girth. Thought to be over 1,000 years old, it takes its name from a visit by Queen Elizabeth I, who took shade under it during a hunt. Nearby stands an equally stunning old oak, which one can see right through, which has the name 'The Lady in Waiting'. Both trees are truly ancient and full of character.
The Queen Elizabeth I Oak
Species: Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak)
Estimated Age (in 2025): 1200+ years
Form: natural Pollard - an incredible tree, with a low squat canopy, not more than 10m tall, showing minimal die-back, and good healthy foliage (in 2025)
Girth at 1.5m: 13.13m (measured in 2020)
Estimated Year of Birth: 825 AD
Reigning Monarch at the time: King Ecgberht (King of Wessex, following the defeat of Mercia)
Story: our founder Benedict met Lady Cowdray back in around 2010 on a meditation retreat at Cowdray Park, and in 2021 explored the possibility of visiting the great Cowdray Oaks. This was agreed, and a meeting was held with the Head Forester. Further discussions were held with the Cowdray CEO and as of 2024 Mighty Fine Oaks are the only officially permitted gatherers of acorns from this incredible tree
Sizes available:
SOLD OUT
125-175cm, 7 Litre pots
150-180cm, 15 Litre pots
Oakling ages: 3 to 4 years old (2021 / 2022 seed).
A good number of acorns gathered in 2025.
ID codes: BP 1693, 1896
The Lady in Waiting Oak
Species: Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak)
Estimated Age: c. 1,000 years
Form: Pollard - a curious tree, entirely see-through near the base, with the hollowed out centre decayed on two sides, but the wood above intact.
Girth at 1.5m: c. 10.5m (measured by others in 2021)
Estimated Year of Birth: c. 1025 AD
Reigning Monarch at the time: King Canute the Great
Story: this incredible tree somehow seems overlooked, growing less than 100 yards away from its more famous cousin, the Queen Elizabeth I Oak.
Sizes available:
SOLD OUT
None available until recent seed has germinated and matured: a good number of acorns gathered in 2025.
ID codes: BP 1897.