'Great Trees' public vote opens

A panel of experts will decide which trees will be awarded the special status

Londoners have been asked to nominate their favourite urban tree to celebrate the city's tree heritage.

It is the second phase of a project, launched after the Great Storm of 1987, in which 41 trees were awarded "Great Tree" status following a public vote.

Trees for Cities is now looking to find another 20 "Great Trees", with a particular focus on inner London.

The trees must be of notable physical character, historically significant or situated in a landmark location.

A panel of experts will decide which trees will be awarded the special status and commemorated with a plaque.

Beautify our streets

Many of London's largest and oldest trees were damaged when a storm swept across South East England in October 1987.

Graham Simmonds, chief executive of Trees for Cities, said trees bring many benefits to life in London.

"They beautify our streets, breathe freshness into bleak urban areas, they bring shade, shelter and support urban wildlife, whilst enhancing city dwellers' health and wellbeing," he said.

Online nominations will close on 1 September 2008 and the winning trees will be announced in October.