England’s ancient oak trees dying in extreme hot and dry weather

Woodland Trust says trees struggling in drought stress, with older ‘survivors’ disproportionately affected

England’s ancient oak trees are dying in the summer’s extreme heat and dry weather, according to the Woodland Trust, with trees and ecosystems unable to adapt fast enough to the changing climate.

The heatwaves across much of Europe this summer have had a notable impact on crop growth and plant health. To cope with the extreme conditions, many trees are undergoing “early autumn”, wilting and losing their leaves early.

Crow Leasow oak, Shropshire.

Tea Party oak, Suffolk.

King John oak, Devon.

Enmore oak, Somerset.

Lydham Manor oak, Shropshire.

Old Knobbley, Essex.

Pwllpriddog oak, Carmarthenshire.