Habitat: beside a public footpath/bridleway (and farm acces road) in arable farmland
History: It is thought to be around 800 years old. Monumental Trees. This Oak was formerly in wooded land, part of St Leonard's Forest; western end of the Wealden Forest Ridge which runs from Horsham to Tonbridge. However, it now lies in the middle of arable land Much of the former St Leonard's Forest has been cleared for urban development, arable farming, and coniferisation by Forestry England but some areas are still wooded, although much of this has no public accesses. Forestry England has 289 ha. (714 acres) which is open to the public (often regarded as The St. Leonard's Forest, but just a small fragment of the former forest). Other fragments of the former forest with public access are Owlbeech (mainly heathland) and Leechpool Woods o the east of Horsham, and Buchan Country Park to the SW of Crawley and Leonardslee Gardens (enhance charge)
It is claimed by some local people that the Sun Oak tree is mentioned in the Domesday Book; but there is no evidence to support this.
Lichens:
Lecidella elaeochroma Lecidella Lichen
Cresponea premnea (an ancient oak indicator lichen)
Flavoparmelia caperata Common Greenshield Lichen
Candelaria concolor Candleflame Lichen
Mosses:
Lewinskya affinis Wood Bristle-Moss
Hypnum cupressiforme Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss
Other non-epiphytc organism on the tree:
Geranium robertianum Herb Robert (on bole)
Ilex aquifolium European Holly (on bole)
