300 year-old Polish beech wins Tree of the Year contest

BBC News

19-03-2025

The Heart of the Dalkowskie Hills, a breathtaking 300-year-old beech, has won Poland the European Tree of the Year award for the fourth consecutive time.Standing tall in Dalków's historic park, the deep-red beauty is a beloved symbol for the community. Visitors also have a quirky tradition: tossing peanuts into a hole in it, hoping for their wishes to come true.The contest celebrates our relationship with nature by showcasing beautiful and unique trees from across the continent.
Here are some of the other trees that scored high in the competition:
Taking second place is the majestic Portuguese Moreton Bay Fig.This tree was planted in the 19th Century in Coimbra's romantic Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens from seeds exchanged with Sydney's Botanical Garden and is a treasured landmark.
In third place is the Pino de Juan Molinera.A 400-year-old stone pine in Abengibre, Spain, this tree has sheltered generations of locals and witnessed countless celebrations, childhood games and romances. It has endured floods, snowstorms and a lightning strike, standing as a testament to resilience and history.
Other notable entries
The Skipinnish Oak in Scotland, UK is a 400-year-old giant, standing proudly in Lochaber's woodland.It is one of the region's largest oaks and a vital ecosystem for rare lichens like the black-eyed Susan.Recently crowned the UK winner, it is a beloved local treasure.
The Old Chestnut of Sint-Rafaël in Belgium is a 150– to 200-year-old witness to the history of Sint-Job-in-'t-Goor.
The Tree of Freedom in Rab, Croatia, is a 105-year-old holm oak that stands as a symbol of community and heritage.Generations have cherished it, with many families passing down stories of ancestors who helped plant it. Its centennial was celebrated with a grand event, honouring its role in the town's history.
The Lukavice Oak in the Czech Republic is a 700- to 800-year-old survivor, once threatened by estate owners who tried to remove its soil.Defying destruction, it still stands strong, symbolising resilience and pride for the local community.
The Peaceful Oak of Saint-Maurice in France is a 200– to 250 year-old guardian of the Laïta River, standing at the entrance of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice.A haven for wildlife, it even has an otter-shaped bench beside it, honouring its playful regular companion.
The Plane Tree in the Archbishop's Garden in Hungary is a historic landmark in Eger, known for its grandeur and shaded canopy.Legend says Hungarian leaders, including Lajos Kossuth, rested beneath it before the 1849 Battle of Kápolna.
The Tasso di Matari in Sardinia, Italy, is one of the island's oldest yew trees, standing for centuries in the Supramonte di Urzulei.Overlooking an ancient Nuragic village, it bears carvings on its trunk, marking the passage of time.
The Mēru Grand Oak in Latvia is a 200 year-old giant with a canopy spanning 39 meters.Linked to an old legend of survival after the Northern War, it is seen as a guardian of the region.
The Oak of Varniškės in Lithuania is a more than 200 year-old symbol of strength, love, and tradition.A family once built their home and herb farm beside it, making it the heart of their lives.
The Wild Pear from Bošáca, Slovakia, is a 150-year-old tree that grew from a stray seed on Lysica Hill.It stands in a region known for its rich fruit-growing and is a beloved landmark. Its location attracts paragliders and hosts an annual competition for flying historical model airplanes.
The Ginkgo Biloba in Leiden, Netherlands, is a 240 year-old "living fossil" and the second oldest in Europe.This ancient species, dating back to the time of dinosaurs, was preserved in China for its symbolic meaning of love and hope.
The White Acacia in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, is a 140 year-old rarity known as the Witness of Seven Generations.It has stood in six different states during the course of history. The full results can be seen on Europe's Tree of the Year website.