One of the UK’s most celebrated ancient trees will be open to the public this Sunday as part of Heritage Open Weekend.

The plane tree in the grounds of King’s Ely School by Ely Cathedral was planted in the 1600s soon after the English Civil War and is one of the oldest and largest plane trees in the country.

The Woodland Trust’s head of campaigns, Adam Cormack, will also be giving two talks about heritage trees and explaining more about the conservation charity’s Living Legends campaign, which is calling for new laws to protect ancient and notable trees.

During the open weekend, the school is opening its doors to members of the public who can explore some wonderful medieval buildings next to Ely Cathedral and see the ancient Great London Plane of Ely in all its glory.

Adam said: “It's a long-held ambition of mine to organise a tree event on Heritage Open Weekend and I’m grateful to the school for giving us the opportunity to do this as part of our Living Legends campaign.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to see this magnificent, historic tree. Trees are immensely important from an ecological perspective, but they're also a treasure trove of stories and cultural and personal connections with people.

“It’s easy to think that our oldest trees are going to be there forever, but too many old and special trees are vulnerable and face threats.

“Legislation to protect them already exists in a number of other countries including Poland, Italy and Romania. And there's a similar scheme in Germany for heritage trees.

“If people wish to support us, please sign our Living Legends petition calling for legal protection for our oldest and most special trees.”

David Day, chair of governors at the school, said: “We are delighted to be working with The Woodland Trust, and greatly appreciate their support for our London Plane conservation project.

“This heritage tree is of great historical importance, and their involvement will help to ensure the tree’s continued vigorous good health long into the future.

“The event at King’s this weekend will raise awareness of our tree and the UK’s other Living Legends.“

The Woodland Trust’s Living Legends petition already has more than 90,000 signatures in its fight to secure legal protection for the UK's oldest and most special trees.

(Image: Woodland Trust)