County Down Elm Crowned Tree of the Year for Resilience

A wych elm in County Down, Northern Ireland, has been awarded the national Tree of the Year title, celebrated for its extraordinary resilience.

The tree, affectionately known as the "Bendy Tree," has not only endured harsh weather for over a century but has also resisted Dutch Elm disease, a devastating blight that decimated millions of elm trees across the UK in the 1960s.

May Chemais, the lead for the Ancient Tree inventory at the Woodland Trust, described the tree as "astonishing and bizarre," highlighting its persistence despite repeated exposure to extreme winds. "The Bendy Tree has been blasted by extreme winds, over and over again, for well over a century," Chemais stated. "But it has continued to exist and remain rooted, adapting to its surroundings and flourishing into this unusual shape that is providing shade and joy to its community."

John Martin, who was present at the award, noted the tree's remarkable resilience and expressed his pleasure at seeing a tree of its age receive recognition. Chemais added that the tree's ability to adapt and flourish, despite hardship, has resonated with people, drawing parallels to human experiences. "We've all been through changes and hardships that have shaped who we are - I think that's why the Bendy Tree has struck a chord with people."

Older trees like the Bendy Tree are considered vital parts of a community's culture, offering shade and historical narratives. This marks the first time a tree from Northern Ireland has secured the national Tree of the Year title since the competition's inception in 2014.