THEY were mere saplings when Oliver Cromwell's army defeated the Royalists in the English Civil War. Their limbs shuddered as Hitler's Luftwaffe carpeted the south east with bombs during the Blitz. And they weathered devastating hurricane-force winds that destroyed so many of their kind during the Great Storm of 1987.

Now some of the oldest and largest trees in the News Shopper area have received recognition in the 21 Great Trees of London, compiled by the Countryside Commission.

The local roll of honour includes an ancient yew in Charles Darwin's home village of Downe, near Biggin Hill, and a mulberry said to be the first in this country, planted by order of King James I in the grounds of Charlton House.

All specimens have been awarded commemorative green plaques in a scheme developed last year by the Countryside Commission on behalf of the London Tree Forum.

The 21 great trees were selected from a shortlist of 100 put forward - by those who live or work in London or visit the capital - because of their age, size, shape, species, wildlife importance, or historical and cultural association.

The 1997 list of 11 great trees featured the huge Bromley Oak which stands proudly outside the Glades shopping centre in Kentish Way. This year's list of 21 trees includes three more from the borough.

Coral Gibson, principal tree officer for Bromley Council, said: "There are very special trees in the borough and this scheme is a great way of celebrating them.

"Obviously, our department knows where Bromley's biggest and best trees are, but we want residents to write in to let us know their favourites."

Marian Spain, the Countryside Commission's south east regional officer, agreed: "We are delighted so many people put forward their favourites for consideration this year.

"We know there are many other extra special trees out there which deserve an accolade, but we need help to find them."

The London Tree Forum wants nominations for the next round of green plaque awards. These must be submitted to borough tree officers by December 31. An information leaflet is available from the London Tree Forum, PO Box 15146, London WC2B 6SJ.

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