We're rooting for the Picnic Tree at Cloughbane!

An old sycamore tree at Cloughbane Farm in Pomeroy needs your vote.

The Picnic Tree is just one of six shortlisted by the Woodland Trust in the search for Northern Ireland’s Tree of the Year.

The charity is now urging the public to vote for their favourite tree from the final shortlist.

The tree is up against two beech trees intertwined to symbolise unity of the Anglican Church and Methodist movement, and a precious ancient oak, thought to be the oldest in Northern Ireland.

The winner will go on to represent Northern in the European Tree of the Year competition, early next year.

The Woodland Trust is offering each country’s winning tree a £1,000 care grant; while any tree receiving over 1,000 votes will receive £500. 

The reward – carefully tailored to the individual tree – might assist a health check from a tree specialist, provide educational materials, or even support a celebratory event in honour of the tree.

Last year’s winner was the Peace Tree, a remarkable oak at Belfast’s Woodvale Park.  And the charity hopes that a rightful successor will capture hearts and minds to take this year’s crown.  

The final six are:

The Holm Oak: at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor

King George VI Coronation Tree: horse chestnut, Abbey Street, Bangor

The Great Ardmore Altar Oak: at Ardmore, Derry/Londonderry

The Picnic Tree: sycamore at Cloughbane Farm, Pomeroy

The Wesley Beeches:  at Lambeg, Lisburn

The Belvoir Oak: at Belvoir Park Forest, Belfast

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, says they want to thank everyone who took the time to nominate a tree.

“Northern Ireland certainly has its share of well-loved trees, each with a story to tell.  Some have seen centuries come and go; some make our landscapes unique. While no two trees are the same, we have one important aim:  to give our amazing trees the attention and recognition they deserve.  By reminding people of their value, we hope they will continue to thrive for future generations," he adds.

Listen to what Kaye Coates from the Trust has to say:

Viote here - www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/treeoftheyear