Britain's Best Climbing Tree Found in Lincolnshire
A long heralded initiative by sweet brand Haribo and the Woodland Trust has determined that the best tree for climbing in all of Britain is Mr Silly Arms, located in Owlet Woods just north of Gainsborough, Lincolnshire. The 150-year-old oak tree, featuring low branches and towering 12 metres high, was deemed best for climbing on September 20 due to its accessibility for all skill levels.
Discovering Mr Silly Arms
The Owlet Woods, a mere ten-minute drive from Gainsborough, is the home of Mr Silly Arms. The location, not too far from the Nottinghamshire border, houses this old oak that has a branch seemingly designed for climbing, perfect even for the most inexperienced climbers.
Aziduous Selection Process
The Woodland Trust put over 10,000 trees under the microscope before awarding Mr Silly Arms with the honour of being "Britain's Best Climbing Tree." The challenging search required enormous amounts of time and resources.
A Journey to the Tree
After learning about the commendation, one of our reporters visited the woods and encountered a lady walking her dogs. She found the description of the ‘best climbing tree in the country’ familiar and pointed our reporter in the right direction.
"She would perhaps agree that it was the 'perfect tree for climbing', and she'd have been 'right on it' if she were still a child",
Upon the first encounter with the tree, the reporter found the surrounding area cleared out, with appropriately pruned branches creating a ready-made pathway to the top. The tree even had its own wooden plaque, whimsically inscribed "Mr Silly Arms - Britain's best climbing tree".
The trunk and branches, weathered over the years, offered a straightforward way up, igniting a nostalgic urge to climb the tree despite the inclement weather and absence of appropriate climbing gear.
Reconnect with Childhood
Adults are found to often reminisce about climbing trees when they were younger, and many best childhood memories revolve around it. The easy climb and sense of mystery provided by trees add to the attraction. While there isn't much else to do surrounding Mr. Silly Arms, the experience of reconnecting to childhood adventure undeniably casts its charm.
Despite being an unexpected distinction, it's curiously fitting that Britain's best climbing tree rightfully belongs to Lincolnshire, a county known for its exceptional quirks and attractions.