Europe holds one of the most wonderful places in the world. And do you know what else they consider beautiful? Their trees. This year, Europe is set to find the coolest tree with its European Tree of the Year Award, and there are 16 contending countries vying for a spot in the limelight with their entries.
Throughout the month of February, people all over the world can get to vote for their favorite tree at www.treeoftheyear.org. According to its press release, the organizers wish to bring the "emotional connection that individuals and communities make with trees, as well as their significance for Europe's natural and cultural heritage."
The stories collated so far are from Lithuania with its Stelmuze oak, one of the oldest trees of Europe; trees that grow up together with school children by the Scottish and German finalists; survivors of urban development with their the Welsh Brimmon Oak; and a very cinematographic tree in England.
Also included in the roster of nominations is Estonia's Russalka Oak, an oak tree with a unique shape that was once thought an obstacle to urban development until the local community spoke to save the tree. Meanwhile, Belgium enlisted the Village Lime Tree of Massemen which they considered as the village's best friend for over 400 years.
Hungary submitted its 'giant plane' tree, one of the most visited trees in the country and the number one ornamental garden of Budapest. Also, Ireland nominated its Hugh O'Flaherty's Trees that were planted in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Rome and the success of the Hugh O'Flaherty escape organization.
To vote for the coolest tree in Europe, a person can only nominate their chosen tree just once by using their personal e-mail address. Results of the contest will be made known on March 21 in line with the celebration of the International Day of Forests.
The European Tree of the Year award started in 2011. It was inspired by the famous Tree of the Year contest organized in the Czech Republic.
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