A centuries-old oak nestled in the heart of Lochaber, Scotland, has been dubbed 'Tree of the Year' in the Woodland Trust's prestigious competition.
The Skipinnish Oak – named after a Scottish cèilidh band and thought to be at least 400 years old – will go on to compete for European Tree of the Year.
With a focus on ancient and veteran oaks, 12 nominees were chosen from across the UK for their historical significance and ecological importance. These trees can live for more than 1,500 years and support up to 2,300 different species of wildlife. The UK boasts more ancient oaks than the rest of Western Europe combined.
Image: The Skipinnish Oak amongst dense pine forest near Loch Arkaig - Gus Routledge
Dr Kate Lewthwaite from the Woodland Trust said, "The Skipinnish Oak is a magnificent example of the natural heritage we strive to protect, and its recognition as UK Tree of the Year shines a light on the incredible biodiversity that our trees support. We encourage everyone to celebrate and preserve these vital features of our environment."
The runners-up for Tree of the Year 2024 were the Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury, which secured a close second place with 20% of the votes, and the 1,000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire, which came in third with 14%.
The shortlist also included the Queen Elizabeth Oak in West Sussex, renowned for its legendary association with the monarch and its impressive size as the second-largest sessile oak on record. The Elephant Oak in the New Forest also captured hearts as the public's 'wildcard', celebrated for its unique shape and distinctive character.
The Skipinnish Oak won with an impressive 21% of the total votes, reflecting its connection with the public.
It is one of the largest oaks in the region, hidden away in a Sitka spruce timber plantation, and a pillar of the surviving native ecosystem – home to diverse lichens including the rare black-eyed Susan, which is seldom found outside the west of Scotland.
The oak was not known to modern tree experts until a chance encounter with the eponymous band, who were playing for the Native Woodland Discussion Group nearby. They directed amazed delegates to the hidden location, securing its spot on the Ancient Tree Inventory.
Andrew Stevenson from the Skipinnish band said: "I am delighted that The Skipinnish Oak has won Tree of the Year! The tree has held a special place in my heart since my father first described it to me, and the first time I saw it many years ago."
The group have said they will compose a new song in honour of the Skipinnish Oak, which they will debut next September at their biggest ever gig, at the OVO Hydro in Glasgow.
The European Tree of the Year competition takes place in 2025.
