ARBORICULTURALISTS along the England-Wales border have plenty to look forward to this month with the judging of Offa's Dyke's best trees.

July 10 marks the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Offa's Dyke Path national trail.

To mark this event, 'tree hunter' Rob McBride, founder of Ellesmere-based Treespect CIC, is running a contest to find the most remarkable trees along – and in the vicinity of – the Offa's Dyke path and monument.

For the event, Rob has revealed a number of judges, including Bianca Jagger, TV presenter Iolo Williams, journalist Patrick Barkham, artist Dan Llywelyn Hall, Llandegla Primary school Eco Council and others.

These judges will deliberate as to which tree will claim the crown of the Great Trees of Offa's Dyke 2021.

Rob says many of the entries have personal attachments to the people who nominated them.

"Many have personal attachments to trees along Offa's Dyke," said Rob.

"A running lady who was helped each day by 'her special summit tree'.

"Spectacularly located ancient trees, one of which may have witnessed the Roman's leaving Wales.

"Other trees that have fallen, only to rise again as incredible phoenix trees.

"A school with their very own Winston Churchill oak tree that they cherish.

"And many more wonderful trees and stories."

In a celebration event of the Offa's Dyke Path 50th anniversary on July 10 at the Offa's Dyke Centre in Knighton, the winning 'entree' nominator will be presented with a bespoke, blacksmith fashioned trophy presented by the Mayor of Knighton Chris Branford at 2pm.

"If you can then please do come along to this celebration of trees and of the Offa's Dyke Path 50th anniversary next Saturday," added Rob.

For more details of the judging panel visit thetreehunter.com/great-trees-offas-judges/