One of the finest old trees in Southwark, the Dulwich Turkey Oak, has been awarded a green plaque in recognition of its importance to London.

Members of the public nominated their favourite trees across the capital. Twenty-one were chosen by the London Tree Forum as a Great Tree of London.

The trees were chosen for their age, size, shape, species, wildlife importance or historical or cultural association.

The aim of the scheme, launched last year, is to draw attention to the wealth of great trees in the capital and to encourage people to treasure them.

The Dulwich Turkey Oak in Dulwich Park was described by judges as "an excellent specimen tree of considerable size, dominating the landscape it overlooks".

Mike Pearson, arboricultural officer at Southwark Council, which owns the tree, said it was difficult to say how old it is without cutting it down, but that it is believed to have been planted before Dulwich Park opened in 1890.

It may well have been planted for commercial reasons, but for some reason the owner did not cut it down for wood.

He urged people to get their nominations for next year's awards into him.

Trees on private land, even back gardens, are eligible, as long as they are visible to others.

He said: "This scheme encourages people to have better awareness of trees and to appreciate that trees can grow to a very old age.

"We have trees like this now but in years to come we may not be so lucky."

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