Time to nominate Northern Ireland’s Tree of the Year

The Woodland Trust is inviting members of the public to nominate their favourite tree, as the quest to crown this year’s Tree of the Year begins.

The competition is open to any living tree in the UK that has a story behind it; with Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales each having its own contest.  Any individual, group or organisation can enter through the Woodland Trust’s website until Friday 29 July.

This year, the charity is offering each country’s winning tree a £1,000 ‘Tree LC’ pamper package; while any shortlisted tree with over 1,000 votes will receive £500 worth of care. 

The package – carefully tailored to the individual tree – might assist pruning, weeding, fencing or professional management advice; it could even support a celebratory event.

The Peace Tree, an oak in Belfast’s Woodvale Park, captured hearts and minds to take the Northern Ireland crown in last year’s competition.  The runner-up was a magnificent oak, the Tree of Witness, in Derry/Londonderry; while the iconic Dark Hedges near Ballymoney took third place1.

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, said: “Last year saw Northern Ireland enter the competition for the first time ever.  We certainly have our share of remarkable trees and – thanks to those who made nominations and subsequently voted – we know that the interest is out there.

“We hope that everyone will get behind this year’s contest and we’re delighted to be able to offer an incentive, which could take the form of a bespoke care package.”

Jill Butler, Woodland Trust ancient tree specialist, added: “Tree of the Year brings a wonderful opportunity for individuals and entire communities to nominate and share their best-loved trees.  We’re looking for a tree with a story, legend, historical significance, or one which is a local landmark.  Our ultimate aim is to draw attention to our amazing trees, helping to secure the protection they deserve.”

An independent panel of experts in each of the four countries will choose a shortlist from the entries submitted and the winners will then be decided by public vote later in the year.

Each winner will go on to represent the nation in the European Tree of the Year competition, organised by the Environmental Partnership Association.

For more information about the competition and to submit your nomination visit www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear