Flodden Tree shortlisted for national prize

The magnificent sycamore, nominated by Antony Chessell, was planted in tribute to the Scottish dead at the 1513 Battle of Flodden.

The tree is not believed to be quite old enough to have dated from the time of the battle but may well have been planted to mark its 100th anniversary. With a trunk girth of 6.8m, the tree stands 30m tall.

Following public nominations earlier in the year, a panel of judges chose six finalists which are now going to the public vote.

The six contenders are: The Camperdown Elm in Dundee, The Filo Pastry Tree in Stranraer, The Flodden Tree in Coldstream, Malloch’s Oak at Strathallan, Napoleon’s Tree in Ecclefechan and Netty’s Tree on Eriskay.

Online voting has opened and runs until October 7. Everyone who votes at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear will have the chance to win a £100 voucher for Joules clothing.

The winning tree stands to win a £1,000 care package thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This might be spent on works to benefit the tree’s health, signage or a community celebration.

Sanjay Singh, of People’s Postcode Lottery said: “From botanical oddities to trees with historic connections or simply at the heart of their communities – these are great examples of trees which are cherished. I hope the competition will encourage more people to seek them out, enjoy them and vote for them.”

The winner will be named in November.

Previous winners include Glasgow’s Suffragette Oak, The Ding Dong Tree in Prestonpans and The Big Tree on Orkney.

The Tree of the Year competition organised by Woodland Trust is run in support of the Charter for Trees, Woods and People – an initiative that sets out 10 tree principles to embed in our society for a future where people and trees are stronger together.