Long before Gosford was an official forest, it had trees. Great oaks were known to be here centuries ago and some have survived, amazingly, surrounded by spruce in forest plantations.
Just by the main car park is a path leading towards the arboretum. Right beside that path, standing proud in an area newly cleared of trees around it, with its attendant ivy mostly trimmed away, is a magnificent old oak. Almost every branch is still green and healthy, bearing leaves, flowers and acorns. With the canopy in full leaf, it is a wonderful sight. This is an unsung hero, a survivor of time and an invasion of conifers.
With a circumference of 19’ 6” it is a true veteran.