Wales may be under lock-down, but the search has begun for the coveted title of Tree of the Year 2020. Nominations are now open for people to tell us about their most loved tree, be it a visually stunning specimen, a beacon of hope in uncertain times, or a tree with an amazing back story.

This year, the emphasis will be on favourite local trees, that people can see and photograph while taking their daily exercise, trees that are part of their local communities and valued as such.

Now in its seventh year, Tree of the Year highlights and celebrates special trees across the nations, with separate competitions in Wales, England and Scotland. The 2019 Wales winner was the Old Chestnut of Pontypool. The winners in England and Scotland respectively were the Allerton Oak, in Liverpool, and the Last Ent of Affric in the North Western Highlands.

Whilst last year’s winners were all ancient or veteran trees that had survived the threat of development, disease, grazing and climate change, nominations for Tree of the Year are welcome from any age or species of tree. Young and newly planted trees in our gardens, communities and parks have their stories too. It is what sets your tree apart from the rest that the Trust wants to hear.

Rory Francis, PR and Campaigns Manager for Coed Cadw Woodland Trust said:“Tree of the Year has helped discover and celebrate lots of incredible trees. This year during lockdown, when many are appreciating local greenspace more than ever before, we hope to uncover some local tree treasures. Wales has some of the most remarkable trees in the world – and often they’re found in someone’s back garden. We need the public’s support to find them, nominate them and vote for a winner.”

Any individual, group or organisation can nominate a tree and share its story at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear/

Winning trees will benefit from a tree care award of up to £1,000 thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This can be used to benefit the tree’s health, for signage, or a community celebration. Shortlisted trees in need of support are also eligible for a £500 care award.

Sanjay Singh, senior programmes manager with People’s Postcode Lottery, said:

“We’d like to encourage communities across Britain to get involved with the 2020 Tree of the Year competition and look forward to discovering amazing trees with wonderful stories. Thanks to all the players of People’s Postcode Lottery who are supporting this search for the nation’s most special trees. For the fourth year running money will be available to directly benefit the long term health of those special trees that need it the most.”

Nominations must be in by 29 June 2020. Entries will then be shortlisted by a panel of independent experts before facing a public vote later in the year.

One of the country winners of Tree of the Year 2020 will represent the UK in the battle for European Tree of the Year in March 2021.

In line with Government advice we discourage non-essential travel. Please do not drive to photograph a tree for nomination.