Ancient oak tree in Brockwell Park
The ancient oak tree in Brockwell Park is around 600 years old. It is an important part of the park’s landscape and natural heritage and provides habitat for wildlife, including rare species.
Like other mature trees in the park, it also helps to:
- provide shade and cooling
- reduce rainwater run-off
- capture and store carbon
- support biodiversity
The tree is becoming more vulnerable to environmental pressures, including drought and soil compaction caused by people walking over its roots.
It has also lost 3 large branches in recent years. Ancient trees can naturally lose branches as they age, so we need to manage the area around the tree to protect both the tree and park visitors.
How we are protecting the tree
We have installed fencing around the tree's root area to:
- prevent people walking over the roots and compacting the soil
- help protect the tree from environmental stress
- reduce the risk to visitors from falling branches
We also:
- carry out regular inspections from the ground and within the tree canopy
- monitor issues including soil compaction and drought stress
- monitor the tree's crown over time and carry out sympathetic management measures such as mulching that will help the tree
How you can help
Please do not enter the fenced area or walk over the tree's roots.
Report any broken, fallen or hanging branches, or any other concerns about the tree.
For questions or enquiries, email trees@lambeth.gov.uk