'Bendy tree' named UK Tree of the Year
Summary
The 150-year-old wych elm known as the Bendy Tree in Newcastle, County Down, Northern Ireland, won the UK Tree of the Year 2026. It received over 30% of the public vote for its resilience to harsh weather and disease, and its unique shape that provides shade and beauty to the community.Key Facts
- The Bendy Tree is a 150-year-old wych elm located on Newcastle's central promenade in County Down, Northern Ireland.
- It won the UK Tree of the Year 2026 with more than 30% of the national public vote.
- The competition theme was "Against All Odds," celebrating trees that show strength despite difficulties.
- The wych elm is the last tree of a row planted in the 19th century to shield the promenade from sea winds.
- Most nearby trees were cut down in the 1980s during redevelopment.
- The tree has grown almost horizontally due to strong winds but still provides shade for people, with a bench placed under it.
- It survived Dutch Elm disease, which killed millions of elm trees in the UK in the 1960s.
- Northern Ireland has one of the lowest woodland covers in Europe at 8.7%, with plans to increase this to 12% by 2050.
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