The chosen QGC locations reflect a range of themes - Royal, history, children, education, literature/creative arts, science, conservation, communities, health and wellbeing.

Established over hundreds of years, these irreplaceable habitats are rich in their natural and social history and ecology and have formed the backdrop to important moments in the history of the UK. All have a unique story to tell – some are famous specimens, while others have local significance as natural wonders throughout our neighbourhoods. By sharing the stories behind the Ancient woodlands and trees, as well as the incredible efforts that are made to protect them, The Queen’s Green Canopy aims to raise awareness of these treasured habitats and the importance of conserving them for future generations.

The Ancient Tree dedication marks the start of a long-term project to propagate material to ensure that the genetic resource and unique characteristics of some of the UK’s most important trees is preserved.

In the case of our ancient Small Leafed Lime tree, Limes were favoured in the Wye Valley due to their fibrous bark’s utility in rope-making and Prisk Wood is home to this spectacular example of an ancient, multi-stemmed Small Leaved Lime.

At first sight the trunks appear to be separate trees but in fact it is all one individual. The huge tree which sits above the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Penallt, near Trellech in Monmouthshire, is believed to be at least 300 years old. 

And, as well as its impressive age and appearance, the tree plays a vital part in the ancient woodland life at our Prisk Wood Nature Reserve. Its magnificent pollarded limbs and crown produce many flowers for bees and other pollinators. It's also a place of rest and retreat for rare wildlife like Dormice, and a food source for others including Great Spotted Woodpeckers.