>
Oakham
Nub News Logo
Nub News

180-year-old Rutland oak that survived a plane crash shortlisted for Tree of the Year

Local News by Grace Kennington 4th Aug 2026  
Rutland's 'Bomber Oak' has been shortlisted for the Tree of the Year award (Photo: James Reader Photography)
Rutland's 'Bomber Oak' has been shortlisted for the Tree of the Year award (Photo: James Reader Photography)
advertisement

The 180-year-old Rutland 'Bomber Oak' has been shortlisted in the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year competition.

The English Oak, which grows near Uppingham in Rutland, is 180 years old and has a fascinating history that has attracted a nomination for Tree of the Year.

The oak is on a family farm, looking like any other from a distance.

However, according to the Woodland Trust, 'up close, you can see it has a story to tell with a slight dip in the top of the canopy and twisted, misshapen central branches that have clearly suffered damage.'

It is said that the tree was hit by a crashing Lancaster Bomber in 1945, with the impact slicing the top of the tree off.

After recovering from this, the tree was almost lost decades later when a water company planned to install pipes in the field the tree grows in.

Following objections from the family that owned the farm, as well as locals, the pipes had to go around the field and the Bomber Oak remained standing strong.

To place a vote for the Rutland Bomber Oak, visit the Woodland Trust Tree of the Year website.

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Download our Nub News App: - It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

     

Local news is in crisis.

Newspapers around the country are closing at an alarming rate.

Nub News is changing that.
Please consider supporting us.
Your contribution will be a GAME-CHANGER.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Downdload our Nub News App:
- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket