Penunculate Oak, Quercus Robur, "The Sun Oak", St Leonard's Forest, Horsham, 18.03.24 & 08.04.25 High Weald

Habitat: beside a public footpath/bridleway (and farm acces road) in arable farmland. TQ2026929929

History: It is thought to be around 800 years old. Monumental Trees. This Oak was formerly in wooded land, part of St Leonard's Forest; western end of the Wealden Forest Ridge which runs from Horsham to Tonbridge. However, it now lies in the middle of arable land. Much of the former St Leonard's Forest has been cleared for urban development, arable farming, and coniferisation by Forestry England but some areas are still wooded, although much of this has no public accesses.  Forestry England has 289 ha. (714 acres) which is open to the public (often regarded as The St. Leonard's Forest, but just a small fragment of the former forest). Other fragments of the former forest with public access are Owlbeech (mainly heathland) and Leechpool Woods oy the east of Horsham, and Buchan Country Park to the SW of Crawley and Leonardslee Gardens (enhance charge)

It is claimed that the Sun Oak tree is mentioned in the Domesday Book; but there is no evidence to support this.

Status: Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory no. 5831, Ancient Pollarded Quercus robur.

Rinodina roboris

 Pertusaria hymenea

Cresponea premnea 

Flavoparmelia caperata Common Greenshield Lichen

Candelaria concolor Candleflame Lichen