A Co Down oak tree believed to be the inspiration for the fictional land of Narnia has been named Tree of the Year for Northern Ireland. The Woodland Trust has announced its shortlist of 'living legends' in the running to be named UK Tree of the Year for 2022 - including the '300-year-old' NI contender.
The Kilbroney Oak in Rostrevor has taken the top spot in NI after previously holding the title back in 2019. Found in Kilbroney Park, it is estimated to be over 300 years old with a girth of 5.97 metres.
The Woodland Trust said: "This year's national contest celebrates our living legends that have withstood the test of time; each a constant safe haven for wildlife in a changing and sometimes disconnected landscape.
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"Our expert panel has shortlisted twelve of the most fascinating trees from across the UK for Tree of the Year 2022. Now is your chance to vote for your favourite and help us crown a winner. The winner will represent us in the European Tree of the Year competition!"
Voting is open until noon on Monday, October 31, and the winner will be announced on Friday, November 4.
Describing NI's Tree of the Year, they said: "This sublime sessile oak grows in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Northern Ireland. Its broad, fluted form is festooned with an array of moss, lichen, fungi and decaying wood, which are important for local wildlife.
"The natural landscape of the Kilbroney estate, with its characterful veteran trees like the Kilbroney Oak, is believed to have been the inspiration for the fantasy world in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia . This oak certainly has an air of magic about it."
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