The Woodland Trust has declared the centuries-old Skipinnish Oak, named after a Scottish ceilidh band, as this year’s Tree of the Year.
Nestled in a Sitka spruce plantation in Lochaber, within the Scottish Highlands, the oak is believed to be at least 400 years old. It stands as a proud remnant of the native ecosystem, providing a home for rare lichens and various species, according to the Woodland Trust.
Securing 21% of the public vote in the competition, which featured a shortlist of twelve ancient and veteran oaks from across the UK, the Skipinnish Oak clinched the title. It will now represent the nation in the European Tree of the Year contest scheduled for early next year.
The tree remained unknown to modern arborists until the Skipinnish ceilidh band, who were performing for the Native Woodland Discussion Group in the vicinity, stumbled upon it and guided experts to its concealed location, leading to its inclusion in the ancient tree inventory.
Andrew Stevenson of the Skipinnish ceilidh band expressed his joy: “I am delighted that The Skipinnish Oak has won Tree of the Year.”
He shared a personal connection with the tree, saying, “The tree has held a special place in my heart since my father first described it to me, and the first time I saw it many years ago.”
In a close contest, the Skipinnish Oak just edged out the Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury, which is around 550 years old and located near Charles Darwin’s childhood home. Despite being under threat due to the proposed Shrewsbury bypass, the Darwin Oak garnered 20% of the votes.
The Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire, a millennium-old tree with a spacious hollow and ancient graffiti, has been voted into third place, securing 14% of the votes in a recent poll.
The public had the opportunity to cast their votes for one of 12 magnificent oaks, 11 selected by tree experts and one nominated via social media.
The Woodland Trust highlights that oaks can survive over 1,500 years, support a vast array of wildlife, and the UK is home to more ancient oaks than all of Western Europe combined.
With the Woodland Trust pushing for stronger legal protection for the nation’s most treasured trees, it was a natural decision to focus on oaks for the shortlist, given their deep roots in British heritage.
Dr Kate Lewthwaite of the Woodland Trust commented: “The Skipinnish Oak is a magnificent example of the natural heritage we strive to protect, and its recognition as UK Tree of the Year shines a light on the incredible biodiversity that our trees support.”
She added: “We encourage everyone to celebrate and preserve these vital features of our environment.”
In celebration, the Skipinnish ceilidh band has announced plans to pen a new tune in tribute to the oak, set to premiere at their OVO Hydro gig in Glasgow come next September.
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