AN HISTORIC tree in Dorset is to be dedicated to the Queen in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee and her 70 years of service.

The Tolpuddle Martyrs' tree in Tolpuddle, Dorset, has a history stretching back to 1833, when six agricultural labourers later known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, would meet at this Sycamore Tree to organise efforts to improve working conditions.

They were caught and sentenced to penal transportation in Australia, though this was overturned three years later due to massive public outcry.

The sycamore is now accompanied by a shelter and statues as monuments to this group.

The National Trust is dedicating two ancient woodlands, and two ancient trees in the South West, Horner Woods in Somerset and Fingle Woods in the Teign Valley on Dartmoor and the ancient Black Walnut tree at Antony near Torpoint in Cornwall and the Tolpuddle Martyrs tree.

The initiative to dedicate a national network of 70 ancient trees or woodland for every one of the Queens 70 years on the throne was launched by the Prince of Wales, who is Patron of the Queen’s Green Canopy, under one of the ancient tree dedications - the old sycamore located at Dumfries House in Scotland.

Matt Stanway, National Trust Trees & Woodlands Advisor in the South West said: "We are delighted to have five woodlands and eight of our notable trees included in this prestigious list and dedicated to The Queen's remarkable 70-year reign.

"Trees mean so much to so many people and these dedications present a wonderful opportunity to share the brilliant stories of some of the UK's most significant trees and woodlands which have themselves witnessed remarkable periods in history and have their own stories to tell.

"These include trees like the Sycamore tree in Dorset where six agricultural labourers, later known as the Tolpuddle Martyrs, would meet to organise efforts to improve working conditions and the majestic black walnut tree at Antony House,whose age and location suggest it could have a genetic legacy throughout the UK and beyond.”

Established over hundreds of years, the woodlands and trees were chosen to represent the diverse canopy of the four nations, and to celebrate living heritage.