Britain’s nominees for European Tree of the Year competition

1. Scotland: Netty’s Tree, Eriskay, Outer Hebrides

2. England: Nellie’s Tree, Aberford, Leeds

It’s a love story that spans almost 100 years but this token of love will remain for generations to come.

Nellie’s Tree, known as the Love Tree, came to fruition as Vic Stead made the journey from his home in Garforth near Leeds, along the old colliery railway, to visit Nellie, the young lady he was courting who lived in the nearby village of Aberford.

One day, he came across three beech saplings; giving him the idea to graft one sapling between the other two to form the letter N in an attempt to woo his sweetheart. The couple went on to marry and produce a family that chose to share their romantic tale in memory of the beloved couple. Vic and Nellie’s grandson Chris Lund was the one who nominated the tree for the award.

3. Northern Ireland: The Giant Sequoia, Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down

Located within the walled garden at Castlewellan Forest Park, this giant redwood spruce, or multi-stemmed giant sequoia as it’s formally known, has become a favourite with young local climbers.

Spanning 19 trunks, the tree was originally grown from one of the seeds first brought back to England from California in 1853 by the renowned William Lobb.

4. Wales: Pwllpriddog Oak, Rhandirmwyn, Carmarthenshire

Situated on the outskirts of the quiet village of Rhandirmwyn in Carmarthenshire among hedgerow, this giant 8.4m tree is believed to have existed for around 600 to 700 years; meanwhile, local historians believe it was collector planted to commemorate the Battle of Bosworth.

Over the years it’s been believed to have been the hiding place of a king, with the local pub bearing the name the Royal Oak, and is understood to have become a meeting place for lovers in the local area.

The tree is hollow and bands and choirs have taken the opportunity to perform from inside.