A Kippford tree is flying the flag for Britain in a European-wide contest.
The Leaning Tree cuts a striking figure as the only one on a windswept beach.
And, after being named UK Tree of the Year 2021, the hawthorn is bidding to be crowned European Tree of the Year, with voting having opened earlier this week.
The tree was originally nominated for the UK competition by Nottingham-based tree surgeon Drew Patterson whose family goes back many generations in Dalbeattie.
Since claiming the title in the UK competition, organised by The Woodland Trust, the hawthorn became the centre of New Year celebrations in Kippford with hundreds of people – including Drew and his family – taking a walk to see it on January 1.
Drew said: “I think hawthorn is an unsung hero for wildlife and our most important species. If you think about it, they are so numerous in hedges and roadside verges. Other species usually get the glory but for me hawthorn deserves to be noticed and I am delighted this one is enjoying so much attention.”
Head of campaigning for the Woodland Trust Adam Cormack added: “We’ve had winners of all shapes and sizes in previous years and this is a tree that stands out for different reasons, notably because of its striking presence in an unusual setting.
“It is also a special tree for Drew because of the family significance which highlights the importance individual trees can have. Lots of trees are equally meaningful to someone, providing a connection and treasured memories.
“Our UK Tree of the Year competition and the European contest are both marvellous celebrations of these cherished individual trees. We hope people will back our hawthorn tree. Online voting only takes a minute to do.”
The European Tree of the Year Competition is organised by the Environmental Partnership Association.
The UK’s best showing so far was in 2017 when a Welsh oak tree came second.
The competition runs throughout February and votes can be cast online at www.treeoftheyear.org.
