Set across over one thousand acres, the world’s most famous festival prides itself on its natural surroundings – the trees, the grassy fields, the fresh air and the agricultural lifestyle that comes to play 365 days a year. Worthy Farm is a fantastic festival setting and Glastonbury sure knows how lucky they are.

Today’s post discusses one of the most wondrous parts of the festival – the oldest tree on the site, located in the back corner of the ‘Green Kids’ field. Standing tall and proud in its 500+ years, the oak tree looks out towards the stages and the crowds milling around on the hunt for their next musical delight. During the festival, punters sit under it to remain in the shade, rest against the bark whilst waiting for friends. With the festival staff acting somewhat as its guardians, the tree has turned in to something of a Glastonbury legend.

This is why Glastonbury have today announced ‘The Oak Tree Project’, an idea that grew from a little acorn to be nurtured and cared for until it evolved in to something monumental and powerful in its inception. The project aims to educate festival-goers and locals about the history of Glastonbury and it’s wildlife, and strives preserve things for the future. The Oak Tree has survived despite its thousands of visitors and those involved with the project plan to ensure that this remains the same.

As part of the project, they aim to reminisce about the past and remain nostalgic  about one of the most idyllic parts of the festival. As such, Glastonbury want to hear your memories, associations and see your photographs – to create a permanent reminder of the beauty of time, wood and nature.

I think this is a wonderful idea, and rings true with the messages that Glastonbury embody. As soon as I saw the picture above I was transported back to the festival, 2010′s Glastonbury to be precise and ran to Facebook to find a picture that I knew was taken under the very same tree.  We made a beeline for it, having struggled in the immense heat. All we wanted was somewhere warm, but shaded. We thought we’d found a little slice of heaven when we sat on the cool grass beneath the branches. The sheer contrast between the shades of green shows the power the sun held that day.

Here’s our version, it’s just a shame you can’t see so much of the tree itself!:

If you would like to contribute, please email oaktreeproject@glastonburyfestivals.co.uk. Click here to find out more, and to access the project’s information.