The leaves of which tree are depicted in the logo of the National Trust, a conservation charity in England?

Since 1935, the National Trust has been identified by its logo depicting oak leaves. The logo came about after the Trust conducted a competition to design a symbol to represent the charity on various signs and stationery. The only rule was that the symbol was suitable for different materials and sizes. Other than that, contestants could develop any design they wished and the winner would receive £30.

Although 109 designs were submitted, the National Trust did not think any were suitable. Instead, they selected six of the designers and asked them to submit one more design. This time, the contestants were instructed to choose one of three subjects, which the Trust thought best represented English heritage: a lion, an English rose, or an oak tree.

The winning design was by artist Joseph Armitage (1880-1945), who had previously designed carvings for St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle, and the Bank of England. The new logo began appearing on signs at National Trust properties in 1936.

The National Trust, more fully the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, is a conservation organisation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Trust does not work in Scotland, as they have a different National Trust. The Trust owns many historic houses and gardens in the three countries.