A Tree Shaped by the Sea
The wych elm standing in Newcastle, County Down, has earned its nickname from a trunk that grows almost horizontally. This unusual form is the result of relentless seaside winds blowing in from the Irish Sea, which have pushed the tree sideways since it was planted in the mid‑19th century.
Surviving a Deadly Fungus
Despite the odds, the 150‑year‑old elm has resisted Dutch elm disease, a fungal pathogen that has wiped out the majority of the United Kingdom’s estimated 30 million elms. Its survival adds a poignant layer to the Woodland Trust’s “against the odds” theme for this year’s Tree of the Year competition.
Community Impact and Recognition
May Chemais, ancient tree inventory lead for the Woodland Trust, described the tree as “astonishing and bizarre,” noting that its story of endurance resonates with people who have faced their own hardships. John Martin, director of Woodland Trust NI, recalled his childhood visits to Newcastle and said the elm’s whimsical growth gives passers‑by a smile. The tree’s broad, low branches also provide shade for a bench beneath it, offering a resting spot for residents and visitors alike.
Other Contenders in the Competition
The shortlist featured several remarkable specimens. The Crowhurst Yew in Surrey, hollowed out in 1820 to create a parish meeting room, still bears the wooden door to that secret chamber despite the roof collapsing in a storm in 1845. In Devon, the Culmstock Yew sits atop a 20‑metre‑high church tower, its presence pre‑dating the memories of local residents. Last year’s winner was a 75‑foot ash tree that shades homes on one of Glasgow’s busiest arteries.
Looking Ahead: Igniting Innovation
Alongside the Tree of the Year accolade, the Woodland Trust has launched its Igniting Innovation competition for individuals aged 16 to 25. Three successful applicants will receive £5,000 in funding and up to a year of expert mentorship to develop projects that benefit woods, trees and the communities that rely on them.
Why it Matters
The Bendy Elm’s victory highlights how individual trees can become symbols of resilience, offering ecological benefits, cultural heritage and communal wellbeing in the face of disease and urban change. Recognising such specimens encourages broader appreciation for ancient woodlands and supports efforts to protect and expand the UK’s tree cover for future generations.
