By Lisa Ramsden
From a spot to seek shade to an eye-catching landmark along the town’s seafront, Newcastle’s gravity-defying “bendy tree” is in the running for this year’s Tree of the Year title.
The native wych elm is the sole survivor of a row of trees planted in the mid-19th century. One of the town’s most frequently photographed locations, and on occasion a child’s climbing frame, this iconic tree is one of 10 across the UK to have been shortlisted for this year’s accolade.
There had been some local speculation that the Newcastle tree – which grows almost horizontally, with its shape testament to the harsh coastal conditions it has endured since the 1800s – was in the running for the competition. The news was confirmed last Wednesday.
The Woodland Trust said its annual competition aims to celebrate and raise awareness of rare, ancient or at-risk trees across the UK. Locals and visitors are being urged to cast their vote for the “bendy tree” between now and 5pm on 29 September via the Woodland Trust website.
Of the 10 shortlisted trees, a panel of experts selected eight trees of differing ages and species, while the public chose two as wildcard entries. The winner will be announced in early October before progressing to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year finals.
Highlighting the Newcastle tree’s remarkability, the Woodland Trust noted that it has “survived extreme weather, development and disease”.
A spokesperson for the charity said: “This gravity-defying tree is a much-loved icon on the Central Promenade and a real fighter. Growing almost horizontally, its incredible shape is testament to the harsh coastal conditions it has withstood for more than a century.
“As a native wych elm, it has also resisted the Dutch elm disease that has ravaged many others of its species, making this a rare example as well as an impressive looking one.”
The spokesperson added that the tree was planted with many others along the town’s original promenade, likely around the mid-19th century, to protect the street, perhaps as part of the grounds of the then new hotel.
However, many of those trees were felled in the 1980s for redevelopment of the promenade and the “bendy tree” is now the last one standing from that era.
Other contenders for this year’s Tree of the Year title include a 4,000-year-old yew which survived direct cannon fire during the 17th-century English Civil War, an English oak that survived being struck by a Lancaster Bomber returning prisoners of war in 1945, and a tree growing from the masonry of a 20-metre-high church tower.
News that the local tree had been shortlisted was welcomed by Newcastle resident and local Alliance councillor Jill Truesdale.
She explained that the tree, which sits close to the Tropicana complex, is now under the ownership of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Cllr Truesdale encouraged people to vote for it.
“This beautiful elm tree has stood the wind and storms for over 100 years on Central Promenade. It has a dramatically curved trunk caused by decades of strong, prevailing winds, making it now a famous landmark,” she said.
Cllr Truesdale added that she had previously submitted an application for a Tree Preservation Order, which protects specific trees and woodlands from deliberate damage or destruction.
The council, she said, sought the advice of an arboriculturist, who recommended certain works, including the installation of a prop to support the tree’s trunk. The arboriculturist also noted that the tree is clearly of significant amenity value.
It was subsequently concluded, however, that the tree is not suitable for a Tree Preservation Order.
Cllr Truesdale, who brought a motion to January’s full council meeting to raise awareness of trees and the role they play in all our lives, said: “I want to actively support efforts to plant and protect the right trees in the right places and for the right reasons, ensuring that everyone can share in the benefits trees provide.
“The Woodland Trust Tree of the Year competition aims to highlight how vital trees are for our landscapes and our lives.
“They have said our woods and trees – recognised as a real force in combatting climate change and biodiversity loss – are under greater threat than ever before.”
The Woodland Trust added that many of the UK’s oldest and most valuable trees have no legal protection and that “together, we can stand up for these living legends.”
