Unlike other contests, the European Tree of the Year doesn't focus on beauty, size or age but rather on the tree's story and its connection to people. According to the official website, 125,568 votes have been received from all over Europe in the seventh edition of the contest.
Take a glimpse at the top ten European trees that have become a part of the wider community.
© Photo : Rafal Godek/2017 European Tree of the Year The Polish Oak Józef was recognized as the main European tree of the year. It is a tourist sight in Poland.
The Polish Oak Józef was recognized as the main European tree of the year. It is a tourist sight in Poland.
© Photo : Rafal Godek/2017 European Tree of the Year During World War II, two Jewish brothers escaped from the Nazis by hiding in the hollow of this tree. The image of Józef was printed on Polish 100 złoty bills.
During World War II, two Jewish brothers escaped from the Nazis by hiding in the hollow of this tree. The image of Józef was printed on Polish 100 złoty bills.
© Photo : Rafal Godek/2017 European Tree of the Year Oak Józef is admired by many visitors and serves as model for photos and paintings.
Oak Józef is admired by many visitors and serves as model for photos and paintings.
© Photo : Tracey Williams/2017 European Tree of the Year Second place in the competition was taken by the 500-year-old Brimmon Oak, which grows in Wales. The tree has been cared for by the same family for several generations. Recently, there was concern that the Brimmon Oak would be cut down due to the construction of a new road. However, more than 5,000 people signed a petition to preserve the tree, and the bypass road was adjusted.
Second place in the competition was taken by the 500-year-old Brimmon Oak, which grows in Wales. The tree has been cared for by the same family for several generations. Recently, there was concern that the Brimmon Oak would be cut down due to the construction of a new road. However, more than 5,000 people signed a petition to preserve the tree, and the bypass road was adjusted.
© Photo : Ludvik Plasil/2017 European Tree of the YearThe 800-year-old Czech lime tree growing in Lipka took third place in the European Tree of the Year award. The tree stands on the road connecting a manor house built in the 13th century and an ancient cemetery. For eight centuries, the tree bid farewell to all the owners of this manor on their last journey. There is a legend that the national hero of the Czech people Jan Žižka camped under the crowns of this lime tree. Local residents also believe that the tree brings luck to couples in love.
The 800-year-old Czech lime tree growing in Lipka took third place in the European Tree of the Year award. The tree stands on the road connecting a manor house built in the 13th century and an ancient cemetery. For eight centuries, the tree bid farewell to all the owners of this manor on their last journey. There is a legend that the national hero of the Czech people Jan Žižka camped under the crowns of this lime tree. Local residents also believe that the tree brings luck to couples in love.
© Photo : JB Barret/2017 European Tree of the YearThis magnificent rain tree (or saman), which holds fourth place, grows on the island of Martinique on Habitation Céron, a plantation that has existed since the 17th century. This is one of the largest trees growing in the Lesser Antilles. The saman protects coffee and cocoa plantations from the weather. It even survived the eruption of the Mount Pelée volcano in 1902.
This magnificent rain tree (or saman), which holds fourth place, grows on the island of Martinique on Habitation Céron, a plantation that has existed since the 17th century. This is one of the largest trees growing in the Lesser Antilles. The saman protects coffee and cocoa plantations from the weather. It even survived the eruption of the Mount Pelée volcano in 1902.
© Photo : John Millar/National Trust/ 2017 European Tree of the Year The sycamore tree growing in the Northumberland National Park in the UK holds fifth place. This is perhaps the most famous tree in Hollywood. The 1991 movie "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" starring Kevin Costner was filmed here. Hadrian’s Wall, a defensive fortification built by the Romans in 122-126, runs near the tree.
The sycamore tree growing in the Northumberland National Park in the UK holds fifth place. This is perhaps the most famous tree in Hollywood. The 1991 movie "Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves" starring Kevin Costner was filmed here. Hadrian’s Wall, a defensive fortification built by the Romans in 122-126, runs near the tree.
© Photo : Paul Clerkin/ 2017 European Tree of the Year The holm oak growing near the fairy glen in Northern Ireland took sixth place in the competition. For decades, this tree has inspired many artists, writers and musicians. Charles Dickens, Clive Staples Lewis and even the young Queen Elizabeth (the then Princess Elizabeth) have strolled under the edge of this oak tree.
The holm oak growing near the fairy glen in Northern Ireland took sixth place in the competition. For decades, this tree has inspired many artists, writers and musicians. Charles Dickens, Clive Staples Lewis and even the young Queen Elizabeth (the then Princess Elizabeth) have strolled under the edge of this oak tree.
© Photo : Lyudmila Gyurova/ 2017 European Tree of the Year Another oak, growing in the Bulgarian village of Nasalevtsi, took seventh place in the competition. The 600-year-old tree stands on sacred land, at the entrance of the local church of the Nativity of Mary.
Another oak, growing in the Bulgarian village of Nasalevtsi, took seventh place in the competition. The 600-year-old tree stands on sacred land, at the entrance of the local church of the Nativity of Mary.
© Photo : Niall Benvie/ 2017 European Tree of the Year The Scottish “ding dong” copper beech holds eighth place in the European Tree of the Year competition. According to the director of Prestonpans Primary School, where this tree grows, it has become inalienable part of the school; it’s almost like an extra member of staff! The tree received its name from a game invented by pupils who compete to touch its trunk ,shouting “ding dong!” The copper beech’s crown is an ideal place for open classes, and its branches are the object of many scientific and artistic projects.
The Scottish “ding dong” copper beech holds eighth place in the European Tree of the Year competition. According to the director of Prestonpans Primary School, where this tree grows, it has become inalienable part of the school; it’s almost like an extra member of staff! The tree received its name from a game invented by pupils who compete to touch its trunk ,shouting “ding dong!” The copper beech’s crown is an ideal place for open classes, and its branches are the object of many scientific and artistic projects.
© Photo : Alena Hroncová/ 2017 European Tree of the YearThe plane tree which grows next to Budatyn Castle in Slovakia, took ninth place in the competition. This is the largest tree growing in Castle Park, which was founded back in 1745. There is a smaller tree next to it, and it seems that they are not connected, but in fact their roots are tightly intertwined.
The plane tree which grows next to Budatyn Castle in Slovakia, took ninth place in the competition. This is the largest tree growing in Castle Park, which was founded back in 1745. There is a smaller tree next to it, and it seems that they are not connected, but in fact their roots are tightly intertwined.
© Photo : Excelentisima Diputación de Ávila/ 2017 European Tree of the Year Tenth place goes to the pine growing in the Spanish municipality of La Adrada. Despite being a black pine, everyone call it the Aprisquillo pine. The tree is over 350 years old.
Tenth place goes to the pine growing in the Spanish municipality of La Adrada. Despite being a black pine, everyone call it the Aprisquillo pine. The tree is over 350 years old.