THE HUNT for Scotland’s Tree of the Year 2018 is underway after The Woodlands Trust issued a call for nominations.
Previous winners include the Suffragette Oak in Glasgow, The “Ding Dong” Tree in Prestonpans in East Lothian and The Big Tree in Kirkwall, Orkney.
The winning tree will receive a £1000 care award thanks to players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
This can be used to pay for work improving the tree’s health, interpretation materials such as signage, or a celebratory event.
Finalists will also invited to a reception at the Scottish Parliament and acclaimed nature photographer Niall Benvie makes portraits of the trees and their supporters.
Winners also receive a trophy.
Sanjay Singh, Senior Programmes Manager at People’s Postcode Lottery said: “I am delighted that players of People’s Postcode Lottery can back this great celebration of the nation’s trees. We look forward to finding out about all the grand specimens, the trees with a story or the trees that communities hold dear.”
George Anderson of Woodland Trust Scotland said: “People who have taken part before, win or lose, tell us they enjoy the experience. It brings communities together.”
Any individual, group or organisation can nominate a tree. Public nominations are online until August 7.
An expert panel will whittle the nominated trees down to a final list which will be put to the public vote in September.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? Read: Make your tree of the year nomination.
IMAGE CREDITS: The Woodlands Trust
