Full Breakdown
Bendy Tree Crowned UK Tree of the Year 2026
By Drooid · · How we work
The award and its significance
The 150-year-old wych elm in Newcastle, County Down—known locally as the “Bendy Tree”—has been named the winner of the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year competition for 2026. The tree secured roughly 30 % of the public vote in a poll that ran from July to September, outpacing nine other nominees that each represented a story of survival. The competition’s theme, “Against all odds,” highlighted trees that have endured extreme conditions or disease, making the Bendy Tree’s sideways trunk—shaped by persistent coastal winds—a fitting exemplar.
Historical background
Planted in the mid-19th century as part of a promenade-line of wych elms, the tree once stood among many peers that sheltered the town’s main street from sea breezes. Redevelopment projects in the 1980s removed most of the original row, leaving the Bendy Tree as the sole survivor. It has also withstood Dutch elm disease, a fungal epidemic that eliminated the majority of the UK’s 30 m elms.
Key figures and their roles
- May Chemais – Ancient tree inventory lead, Woodland Trust; provided commentary on the tree’s cultural and health value.
- John Martin – Director, Woodland Trust Northern Ireland; recalled childhood memories of the tree and emphasized its whimsical appeal.
Official statements & responses
May Chemais explained that the tree’s endurance resonates with people who have faced their own hardships, noting its contribution to community wellbeing through shade and cultural identity. John Martin described the tree’s unconventional growth as a source of “a bit of a smile” for locals and visitors alike. The Woodland Trust highlighted the win as a celebration of resilience and announced a parallel “Igniting Innovation” competition for young people to propose nature-focused projects, with three winners receiving £5,000 each.
Verbatim quotes
- “When you look at this astonishing and bizarre tree, there’s no doubt about what it has endured,” — May Chemais
- “Older trees like this one are providing our communities with so much – from shade, wellbeing and health benefits, to stories, culture and pride of place,” — Chemais