Over 10,000 trees across the UK have been inspected by woodland experts – in a bid to discover the nation's perfect climbing tree.
Some of the top criteria used to determine the best trees for clambering up included low-hanging branches, in order to easily get a leg-up, as well as the durability of the branches – and also making sure there was no rare wildlife living in the shrubs.
And after a thorough search, a 150-year-old oak tree, standing at nearly 40 feet tall (12 metres) has been crowned the perfect climbing tree – and has been officially named Mr Silly Arms.
The sturdy oak can be found in Owlet Wood, Lincolnshire, and measures more than eight metres in diameter – with a handy, low-level branch acting as a firm “footbridge” allowing adventurous Brits to easily make their way upwards.
Confectionary company HARIBO teamed up with The Woodland Trust, with site managers from the charity scouring forests and parklands across the country in search of the winning tree – in an effort to help adults feel confident in making a childlike choice and rediscovering the fun to be had in nature.
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It comes after a poll of 2,000 adults found 36% miss climbing trees from when they were younger, and 61% still get the urge to when they are out in nature today.
It also emerged that between the ages of eight and 12 was considered to be the time that youngsters found nature the most magical.
HARIBO is encouraging confidence in making a childlike choice when out in nature (HARIBO)Tree expert Scott Fraser, who worked with James Jesson from the Woodland Trust to find the top climbing tree, said: “If you told my 10-year-old self I was going to climb trees for a living, I would have just thought that was amazing.
“There’s something magical about nature and climbing trees that children innately understand – but as you get older, most people tend to lose that ability. Life simply gets in the way.
“I’ve been lucky enough to stay connected to my inner child, carrying on my love affair with tree climbing, and turning that passion into a career as an arborist.
“I’ve never stopped seeing nature as a place for fun. That’s why I wanted to inspire other grownups to reconnect to their inner child, and make them feel comfortable making a child-like choice. You’re never too old to have fun, especially in nature.”
James Jesson added: “We become self-conscious, and worried about what people think – we start walking, instead of adventuring.
“Climbing a tree gives you a different perspective of a woodland – which is a definite advantage. We were really excited to find this tree, it’s got everything. It’s safe and accessible, it’s an oak tree so you’ve got that strength in it.”
The study also found 48% of adults said being up a tree formed the core of their best childhood memories – and 41% had a favourite tree for climbing when they were kids.
Seven in ten also admit they miss the childhood days when they could feel confident in running around and simply enjoy being outdoors, according to the stats by OnePoll.
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And while 57% never climb trees now, those who do say it makes them feel happy (46%), active (39%), and close to nature (34%).
Phil Murphy, for HARIBO, said: “When kids see fun, they don’t question it. But grown-ups lose that ability along the way to adulthood, and can be quick to overlook the fun to be had outdoors.
“We’re excited to be partnering with the Woodland Trust to identify the UK’s best climbing tree, to encourage adults and children alike to rediscover the fun to be had in nature.”
MR SILLY ARMS – TALE OF THE TAPE:
- TYPE: Oak
- LOCATION: Owlet Wood, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire
- What3Words: Confining.Perfectly.Hardly.
- AGE: 100-150 years
- HEIGHT: 12 metres
- DIAMETER: 8 metres
- CHARACTERISTICS: Strong sturdy branches, low access points with lots of hand grips, close to a path, great views, minimal disruption to wildlife
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