A competition is currently underway to crown England’s Tree of the Year 2020, with voting open to the public. This prestigious event is organized by Woodland Trust, a charitable organization dedicated to forest conservation. Their shortlist of ten exceptional trees has been refined from hundreds of nominations received during the pandemic, highlighting the strong community connections with nature. Each winning tree will receive a £1000 ($1332) grant for tree care.
The shortlist includes notable contestants such as The Shoe Tree in Newcastle, famous for the shoes tossed into its branches by students celebrating their exam completions. Additionally, The Beech Tree at Bayham Abbey in Kent stands resilient, growing from the ruins behind the altar and surviving numerous challenges, including the great storm of 1987. “The competition showcases remarkable trees and reflects the deep connections communities share with them,” says Laura Chow, the head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, which supports this wonderful initiative.
Another strong contender is The Chained Oak in Staffordshire. This remarkable tree served as the inspiration for the Hex ride at Alton Towers. According to legend, the Earl of Shrewsbury had it bound in chains due to a curse stating that every fallen branch would result in a death among his family. Moreover, the Happy Man Tree in London is under threat as plans for housing development could lead to its removal. This tree was nominated by local parents and children who cherish its presence during their daily routines.
“This year, we received more than double the number of tree nominations compared to previous years,” remarks Darren Moorcroft, chief executive of Woodland Trust. “This surge in interest is not surprising; many of us have become more aware of the natural beauty around us during lockdown, which has positively impacted our mental health. As we navigate a climate and nature crisis, it is crucial to acknowledge that trees play a vital role in sustaining our environment.”
The competition is backed by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Additionally, separate contests are also active in Wales and Scotland. One of the national winners selected in England will represent the UK in the 2021 European Tree of the Year contest. Voting will close at noon on September 24, providing an excellent opportunity to support your favorite tree.
