A remarkable 150-year-old elm in Newcastle, Co Down, has been crowned the UK’s Tree of the Year after winning public admiration for its unusual sideways growth. Known locally as the “bendy tree”, the survivor has endured decades of powerful winds from the Irish Sea and the loss of the other elms planted alongside it.
Why the Northern Ireland tree won
The wych elm stands almost horizontally, its trunk shaped by the persistent coastal winds that sweep through Newcastle. Rather than growing straight upwards, the tree adapted to its exposed setting, creating the distinctive form that has made it a familiar landmark for residents and visitors.
The annual competition, organised by the Woodland Trust, used an “against the odds” theme this year. The Newcastle elm was considered a strong fit because it has survived Dutch elm disease, a fungal infection that devastated elm populations across the United Kingdom.
It is also believed to be the last surviving tree from a row of wych elms planted along the town’s promenade during the mid-19th century. The original planting was intended to protect Newcastle’s main street from strong sea winds.
- Location: Newcastle, Co Down
- Species: Wych elm
- Estimated age: About 150 years
- Notable feature: A trunk growing almost horizontally
- Competition: UK Tree of the Year
A survivor shaped by the Irish Sea
Many of the trees planted as part of the original promenade row disappeared during redevelopment in Newcastle. The remaining elm has continued to grow despite the challenges of its location, including repeated exposure to strong coastal weather.
Its survival is especially notable because Dutch elm disease killed millions of elms in Britain. While the disease has affected elm populations severely, this tree has remained standing and continues to provide shade and shelter in a busy community setting.
The tree’s branches now extend over a bench where people can pause beneath the canopy. That everyday use has added to its importance, turning the elm from a botanical curiosity into a place associated with rest, memory and local identity.
Local memories and community value
John Martin, director of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland, has recalled seeing the tree during childhood visits to Newcastle. Its unexpected shape, he said, catches people’s attention because it challenges the usual image of how a tree should grow.
The Woodland Trust’s ancient tree inventory lead, May Chemais, described the tree as “astonishing and bizarre”. She also linked its appeal to the way people respond to natural landmarks that have survived change and hardship.
Older trees can contribute more than visual interest. They offer shade, support wellbeing and create a sense of continuity in places that may otherwise change dramatically over time. In Newcastle, the bendy elm provides a visible connection with the town’s 19th-century past.
Explore more environment and community stories at DailyDigest Ireland.
Other unusual trees on the shortlist
The competition also recognised several trees with extraordinary histories. The Crowhurst yew in Surrey was hollowed out by villagers in 1820 to create a parish meeting room inside its trunk. Although the room’s roof collapsed during a storm in 1845, the tree survived and its wooden door remains.
The Culmstock yew in Devon was another shortlisted entry. It grows from the top of a church tower approximately 20 metres above the ground and has stood there for longer than local residents can remember.
Last year’s winner was an ash tree in Glasgow, where its canopy provides shade for nearby homes beside one of the city’s busiest roads.
What the award means for Northern Ireland
The result places a Northern Ireland landmark at the centre of a UK-wide conversation about mature trees and the value of protecting them. Trees such as the Newcastle elm can serve as natural heritage sites, especially when they are linked to local stories and public spaces.
The award may also encourage greater awareness of the pressures facing older trees, including disease, development and extreme weather. Protecting them often requires careful management, monitoring and respect for the surrounding root and branch systems.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the winning tree?
The winning wych elm is in Newcastle, Co Down, in Northern Ireland.
Why does the tree grow sideways?
Its near-horizontal shape developed as it adapted to strong winds coming from the Irish Sea.
How old is the bendy elm?
The tree is estimated to be about 150 years old and was planted in the mid-19th century.
Why is its survival significant?
The elm has survived Dutch elm disease, which destroyed large numbers of elms across Britain, as well as redevelopment that removed many of the trees originally planted beside it.
Conclusion
The “bendy elm” is more than an unusual tree. Its survival, shape and connection to Newcastle’s promenade have made it a symbol of resilience and place. For readers following Breaking News Ireland and the latest Irish news, the award is a reminder that important stories can also be found in the natural landmarks woven into everyday community life.
