A 500-year-old tree discovered in a comprehensive survey at a nationally important landscape has been described as 'a jewel of a find.'

The 45ft (14m) high yew, with a diameter of more than 3.5ft (112cm), is among a number of historic trees at the Grade II* listed Hardwick Park, near Sedgefield.

Tree specialists carried out the survey for Durham County Council as part of an ambitious plan to restore the Georgian parkland. A £4.96m bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund has been submitted. A decision is expected later this year.

Catherine Grezo, the council's senior landscape architect, said: "Few historic trees have survived since the park was created in the 1750s but this yew tree, possibly planted as part of a group to obscure a cascade from the grand terrace until the views opened up, is a jewel of a find. There are yews growing throughout the northern part of the grounds, some of which could significantly pre-date Hardwick Hall.

"Lime trees are possibly the most historically important, albeit they are relatively young, as the majority have grown from remnants of original trees and mark the positions of the originals.

"Historic trees are also important from a wildlife perspective as there are a number of veteran trees hosting a wide habitat range."

The survey found that the dominant species are lime, yew, sycamore, beech and horse chestnut.

It also found an absence of shrubs in the parkland, requiring research of shrub species of the time to be undertaken if the park is to be faithfully restored.