Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Know any tree that’s outstanding in its field?
Public asked to vote on their favourite from 28 hopefuls
THE public is being urged to branch out and “root” for their favourite tree.
Included in this year’s Tree Of The Year shortlist are a sapling pulled from the mud of Passchendaele in the First World War, a tree which has inspired the scouting movement and yews which “bleed” or have served as pulpits for preachers.
Judges have selected 28 from nominations for four shortlists, 10 for England and six each for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, with the public are urged to vote for.
For the first time this year, one tree will be chosen by experts from the four national winners to represent the UK in the 2018 European contest.
Last year, Wales’ Brimmon Oak was the runner-up in the contest, which looks for the most-loved trees from countries across the continent. It was the best result so far for a UK entry.
Woodland Trust chief executive Beccy Speight said: “Once again, the public have nominated many fantastic trees with truly inspirational stories, which highlight how intrinsic trees are in peoples’ lives.
“It’s a reminder of why we need to care for individual trees and that they still need true protection in law from development or mismanagement.”
The Woodland Trust wants to see better protection for ancient trees and woodland, including through changes to planning policy in England.
The shortlisted trees are also in with a chance of winning a £1,000 care award, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The care award can be used to arrange an expert health check, provide educational materials or just hold a celebration for the tree.
People’s Postcode Lottery spokeswoman Clara Govier, added: “We are delighted that with our players’ support, the Woodland Trust is able to provide this opportunity for communities all over Britain to celebrate and care for their fantastic trees.”
To vote visit woodlandtrust.org. uk/treeoftheyear.