Tyrone tree voted 3rd best in the UK
Last updated 14th Dec 2021
The Woodland Trust’s Tree of The Year competition aims to highlight how vital trees are for our landscapes and our lives.
Trees are essential in the fight against the climate and nature crisis we are facing, yet many of the UK's oldest and most valuable trees have no form of legal protection.
A defiant lone hawthorn guarding the Scottish coastline is the winner of the Woodland Trust’s Tree of The Year for 2021. The tree at Kippford, Dalbeattie in Dumfries & Galloway is a fine example of a native, mature tree and while not spectacular in size, it cuts a striking presence as the only tree on the windswept cockle shell beach.
The winning hawthorn tree will now go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2022 contest.
Narrowly pipped to the post and in third place, came an exceptional parasol beech in Parkanaur Forest Park, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland – a rare specimen with knotted branches growing randomly back towards the ground.
The competition was held across social media, with a shortlist of 10 finalists selected from hundreds of nominations across The Woodland Trust’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts using #TreeoftheWeek
Adam Cormack, Head of Campaigning for the Woodland Trust said: “We’ve had winners of all shapes and sizes in previous years and this year’s winner a tree that stands out for different reasons, notably because of its striking presence in an unusual setting.
Check out the top ten finalists:
Hawthorn – Kippford, Dalbeattie, Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland
A lonesome but fiercely proud hawthorn still managing to guard the coastline despite being battered by the elements is a fine example of a mature tree. And while not spectacular in size it cuts a striking presence in an unusual setting and is equally as important as more imposing specimens.
Monterey cypress – Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire, Wales
An iconic Monterey cypress tree planted on the beach in 1938. Known locally as "Saundersfoot's Eiffel Tower", it was saved from felling this year after a passionate public campaign.
Parasol beech – Parkanaur Forest Park, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland
An exceptional curly beech with rare features, this tree captivated the judges. Unusually low in appearance for its species, the knotted branches grow randomly back towards the ground to add further charm.
Beech – Silent Valley, Ebbw Vale, Gwent, Wales
This magnificent beech is a prime example of a mature tree within a woodland – a key feature of woods in good ecological condition. It has spectacular, exposed roots that are covered in moss and gnarled bark full of character and weathered over time.
Ash – Ettrick Forest, Selkirk, Scotland
A tree that is almost certainly a descendant of the Ettrick Forest sitting in majestic surroundings within a churchyard. Steeped in history and cultural value, this delightful ash tree is a defiant reminder of the need to deal with the threat of exotic tree diseases like ash dieback.
Hornbeam – Ashenbank Wood, Cobham, Kent, England
The Teapot Tree beautifully describes this stunningly simple hornbeam's posture, while its bark is truly eye-catching and so full of personality. It's a wonderful example of a veteran tree that benefits from basic conservation measures – a simple fence made from sustainable materials to keep it protected in a highly visited area.
Sweet chestnut – Rydal, Cumbria, England
A famous much-celebrated "monster" of a sweet chestnut tree. It is over 600 years old and as well as its remarkable stature and imposing branches, its twisting trunk make it a sight to behold .
Oak tree – Helions Bumpstead, Braintree, Essex, England
Not the mightiest oak but bundles of personality and a perfect example of how oaks can host other species such as moss and ivy cascading from its trunk and branches. These coexist and do no damage to its ecosystem. This oak looks simply splendid captured in all its autumn glory.
Sweet chestnut – Willesley Park Golf Club, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leics, England
A gargantuan tree with a girth of more than 11 metres in a very different setting. The sheer size and wow factor makes it a standout entry.
Sycamore – Newark, Nottinghamshire, England
A much-loved mature sycamore saved by the community in Newark, who stopped the chop for a car park. All the hard campaigning shows the power of peaceful protests – and thankfully this glorious specimen will continue to be part of the community for years to come.
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