The tree known as the Bendy Tree in Northern Ireland has been named the winner of this year’s competition, organised by the Woodland Trust. It is a wych elm located in the town of Newcastle, County Down.
The tree owes its name to its almost horizontal trunk, which has grown outwards following the influence of strong winds from the Irish Sea. The tree is 150 years old, having been planted in the mid-19th century as part of a row of elms along the town’s promenade, designed to protect the main street from sea winds. Many of these trees were cut down during the town’s redevelopment, with the Bendy Tree being the last remaining one.
The tree has withstood Dutch elm disease, a fungus that has devastated 30 million elms in the United Kingdom. May Chemais, the head of records at the Woodland Trust, stated that there is no doubt about what the tree has endured. “We have all gone through changes and hardships that have shaped who we are: I think that is why the Bendy Tree resonates with people,” said Chemais. She added that older trees like this provide much to communities – from shade, well-being and health benefits to stories, culture and pride in the place.
The unusual shape of the tree provides shade for residents and visitors resting on a bench situated beneath its branches. Other trees were nominated in this year’s competition, including the Crowhurst Yew in the town of Crowhurst, Surrey. The trunk of this tree was hollowed out by locals in 1820 to create a parish room for meetings inside. The roof of this room collapsed during a storm in 1845, but the tree survived, with the wooden door to the secret room remaining to this day. The top ten list also included the Culmstock Yew in the town of Culmpton, Devon, which is located on top of a 20-metre-high church tower, its existence predating the memories of current residents.
Last year’s award went to a 75-foot ash tree that provides shade to homes on one of Glasgow’s busiest streets. The Woodland Trust has also launched the Igniting Innovation competition for people aged 16 to 25, who can share their ideas for projects that would benefit nature and improve the lives of trees, plants and people. Three winners will receive £5,000 in funding and up to a year of professional mentoring to implement their projects.
