The Woodland Trust‘s Tree of the Year competition aims to highlight the importance of trees in our landscapes, our lives and as a force to combat climate change and biodiversity loss. Under ever greater threat than ever before, many of the UK’s oldest and most valuable trees have no legal protection. By means of this competition, these vital living legends are recognised and brought into the public eye.
The 2024 competition celebrated majestic oaks across the UK. The majestic, 400-year-old, Skipinnish Oak won with 21% of the vote. This magnificent tree stands tall in an airy clearing amid a dark spruce plantation in the heart of Lochaber, Scotland. Impressive in stature and history, it’s one of the largest oaks in the region and a local treasure, partially named after the renowned Scottish Celtic band. This incredible tree is also a crucial part of the ecosystem and hosts diverse lichens including the rare black-eyed Susan, which is seldom found outside the west of Scotland.
Runner up this year was the Darwin Oak of Shrewsbury with 20% of the vote, and Lincolnshire’s Bowthorpe Oak came in third place with 14% of votes.
As the winner, the Skipinnish Oak will now go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year 2025 contest.