A HOST of Powys trees have been included in a national celebration to mark Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
The Prince of Wales unveiled the identity of 70 ancient woodlands and 70 ancient trees to be dedicated to his mother as part of the Queen's Green Canopy project - with four of them in Powys.
Among them is what is thought to be Britain's oldest yew tree, an 1,100-year-old tree that was planted at Buttington to commemorate a victory over the Vikings, and Newtown's famous black poplar.
His Royal Highness said: "These working woodlands and magnificent trees span our nation’s amazing landscape and exist for everyone to enjoy. The Ancient woodlands and trees can be found in urban as well as rural environments, from National Parks to residential areas, representing the unique diversity of all corners of the United Kingdom.
"Trees and woodlands have a profound significance for us all – their steadfast and reassuring presence a reminder of our long serving Sovereign and her enduring dedication.
"Let us ensure that in her name we can now protect and strengthen this wonderful living Canopy for the next seventy years and, hopefully, way beyond. And, above all, let us ensure that future generations can celebrate and enjoy them."
The ancient Powys trees with Royal blessing will now form part of a network of historic trees recognised by the Queen for their heritage.
The Buttington Yew at All Saints Church, Buttington
The Buttington Yew. Picture: Geograph.
The Buttington Yew has the oldest known planting date of any yew tree in Britain.
It was planted in 893CE to commemorate the Battle of Buttington where the English and Welsh armies, led by King Alfred the Great and King Merfyn of Powys respectively, besieged and defeated the viking raiders of Prince Hastein.
Wild Black Poplar in Newtown
One of the largest wild black poplar recorded among only around 7,000 remaining in the UK.
The black poplar is one of Britain’s rarest and most endangered native species in uncultivated environments.
Coed Glaslyn Rowan at Coed Glaslyn
This ancient rowan’s very remote setting has contributed to its huge growth.
Rowan do not typically grow to large sizes, so to find one of this size highlights the potential for undisturbed nature.
The Defynnog Yew at St Cynog's Churchyard, Defynnog
The Defynnog Yew. Picyture: Geograph.
By some estimates this is the oldest yew in the UK, and certainly one of the most treasured.
With a girth of around 10 metres, the Defynnog Yew tree is nearly as wide as it is tall and inspired the local village pub’s name.
Llangynog Yew in Llangynog
The Llangynog Yew. Picture: Geograph.
Common for this type of tree, this multistem yew is positioned in a churchyard.
Historically yew trees have been bestowed with sacred power across a variety of religions and belief systems. This is in part due to their toxicity to humans and their extremely long lives.
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