Tree-mendous opportunity for Scotland in Europe!
A copper beech known as ‘The Ding Dong Tree’ is representing Scotland in the European Tree of the Year Competition with online voting taking place throughout the month of February.
The UK desperately needs to find a leafy Lulu or a woody Bucks Fizz after previously scoring little more than ‘nil points’ in this tree equivalent of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The Woodland Trust is calling on the public to get behind the four UK Trees in the vote – so we can emerge more like Lulu and less like Englebert Humperdinck!
The Ding Dong Tree in the playground at Prestonpans Primary School was named Scotland’s Tree of the Year following a public vote supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, and won a £1000 care package.
Sixteen countries now take part in the European contest. During the month of February everyone can choose their favourite trees through online voting at www.treeoftheyear.org.
The European Tree of the Year is a contest that highlights the significance of trees in the natural and cultural heritage of Europe and the importance of the ecosystem services trees provide. The contest is not looking for the most beautiful tree, but for a tree with a story, a tree rooted in the lives and work of the people and the community that surrounds it.
Teachers at Prestonpans Primary says this copper beech is so woven into the life of the school it’s almost like having an extra member of staff. The tree gets its name from a game invented by pupils who compete to touch its trunk shouting “Ding Dong!” Its protecting canopy makes it an ideal outdoor classroom, and it brings particular calm to children with complex emotions. Children hang bird feeders from the branches and it is the subject of many science and art projects. Beloved by generations of pupils, the tree has become central to the life and identity of the school.
The four UK entries as voted for by the public, thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery, are the Sycamore Gap tree for England, Brimmon Oak in Wales, Ding Dong tree in Scotland and Holm Oak in Northern Ireland.
Jill Butler, Woodland Trust ancient tree expert said: “The UK is renowned as a country of nature lovers, but we never get anywhere near enough votes for our trees in the European contest. Perhaps this also goes some way to explain why so many of our special trees don’t have the relevant protection. Let’s hope this year we can turn things around!”
Annemiek Hoogenboom, country director of People’s Postcode Lottery added: “We were delighted to support the contests for the Great British Trees of the Year which saw such a fantastic response from supporters. Let’s keep that enthusiasm going as the trees compete in Europe.”
The Woodland Trust wants to see greater protection for our notable trees. More than 9,000 people have so far taken action through the charity’s V.I.Trees campaign to call for the creation of a register for individual trees of special interest.
To place your vote in the competition visit: www.treeoftheyear.org before February 28.
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