Public asked to root for their favourite tree. It could be Yew!
Written by News on 11/09/2017
The public are being urged to vote for their favourite tree from the shortlists of the Tree of the Year competition.
This year’s shortlisted trees from across the UK include a sapling pulled from the mud of Passchendaele in the First World War, a tree which has inspired the scouting movement, and yew trees which "bleed" or have served as pulpits for preachers.
Around 28 trees have been picked from the nominations for four shortlists and include 10 for England and six each for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
For the first time, this year one tree will be chosen by experts from the four national winners to go forward to represent the UK in the 2018 European Tree of the Year contest.
Wales’ Brimmon Oak was the runner-up last year – the best the country has ever done in the contest, which looks for the most-loved trees from countries across the continent.
Pictured are some of the trees that have been nominated.
Beccy Speight, Woodland Trust chief executive, 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 is campaigning for better protection for ancient trees and woodland, including through changes to planning policy in England.
The shortlisted trees could also win a £1,000 care award, supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
The care award can be used for an expert health check, provide educational materials or maybe organise a celebration for the tree.
Clara Govier, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: "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 for a tree in the Tree of the Year contest, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear
(c) Sky News 2017: Public asked to root for their favourite tree. It could be Yew!
