The short version
- The 'Bendy Tree' in Newcastle became the first Northern Irish winner of the UK Tree of the Year competition since its inception in 2014.
- The wych elm survived Dutch Elm disease and extreme coastal winds, capturing over thirty percent of the public vote under the theme 'Against All Odds'.
- Northern Ireland faces significant forestry deficits with only 8.7% woodland cover, requiring planting rates to triple to meet 2050 targets.
A distinctive wych elm located on the central promenade of Newcastle in County Down has been named the UK Tree of the Year for 2026. This victory marks a historic moment for Northern Ireland, which had never previously secured the national title since the Woodland Trust launched the competition in 2014. The tree, locally known as the 'Bendy Tree,' garnered more than thirty percent of the total public vote, outpacing several other notable contenders from across the United Kingdom.
The competition this year operated under the theme 'Against All Odds,' focusing on specimens that demonstrate impressive survival against adversity. The Newcastle elm faced stiff competition from a yew growing within the masonry of a Devon church tower, a Scottish ash that withstood a lightning strike, and a Surrey yew containing an embedded cannonball from the English Civil War. Despite these rivals, the public response to the County Down tree was overwhelming, reflecting a broad appreciation for its unique physical characteristics and history.
The winning specimen is approximately 150 years old and stands as the sole survivor of a row of trees originally planted along the promenade in the nineteenth century. These original plantings were intended to shield the area from harsh sea breezes. During redevelopment efforts in the 1980s, the remaining trees in the row were removed, leaving this single wych elm to continue its protective role. The persistent wind that once threatened the promenade has instead shaped the tree’s growth, forcing its trunk into an almost horizontal position.
Despite its unusual form, the tree continues to provide shade and shelter for visitors. Local authorities have installed a bench beneath its canopy, allowing people to rest while enjoying views of the Mournes mountains and the sea. John Martin, the Northern Ireland director for the Woodland Trust, noted that the tree’s whimsical appearance and demonstrated resilience over more than a century contributed significantly to its popularity. He described the victory as a testament to nature's ability to endure and adapt.
The survival of this specific wych elm is particularly notable given the devastation caused by Dutch Elm disease in the 1960s, which eliminated approximately thirty million elms across the UK. As a native species, this tree resisted the blight that decimated its counterparts. May Chemais, who leads the Ancient Tree inventory at the Woodland Trust, characterized the specimen as astonishing and bizarre, emphasizing its ability to remain rooted and flourish despite being battered by extreme winds for over a century.
Chemais suggested that the tree’s appeal lies in its symbolic resonance with human experiences of hardship and adaptation. She noted that older trees often become integral parts of local culture, offering both physical benefits like shade and intangible value through the stories they inspire. The Bendy Tree’s ability to transform adversity into a distinctive shape has struck a chord with voters, who recognized its enduring presence in the community.
The victory occurs against a backdrop of significant environmental challenges in Northern Ireland. The region currently has one of the lowest rates of woodland cover in Europe, standing at just 8.7 percent. This figure lags behind Scotland at 19 percent, Wales at 15 percent, England at 10 percent, and the Republic of Ireland at 11 percent. These statistics highlight a persistent gap in forestry density compared to neighboring regions.
To address this deficit, a tree-planting action plan has been introduced with a goal of increasing woodland cover to 12 percent by 2050. However, current planting rates are insufficient to meet this target. Experts indicate that the pace of reforestation efforts must more than triple to stay on track for the 2050 deadline. The recognition of the Bendy Tree serves as a focal point for public engagement with nature, potentially supporting broader awareness of these regional forestry goals.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- BBC Science & Environment↗Wonky wych elm in County Down crowned Tree of the Year
