Bendy elm still standing against all odds crowned UK tree of the year

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Published: 2026-10-07T23:16:12.423Z • Permanent link

Nestled in the rolling hills of Co Down, Northern Ireland, a century-and-fifty-year-old Wych elm tree has been crowned the winner of the UK's prestigious Tree of the Year award. Dubbed the "Bendy Tree" due to its unique, sideways growth pattern, the tree has been the subject of fascination for locals and visitors alike. According to Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a renowned horticulturist from Queen's University Belfast, the tree's remarkable shape is the result of strong winds that have caused it to grow in a way that is both astonishing and bizarre. "We've studied the tree extensively, and it's clear that the winds in this region have had a profound impact on its development," she explained. "It's a testament to the incredible resilience of these trees, which have been growing in these conditions for centuries.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham have been monitoring the tree's growth, and their findings suggest that the tree's unique shape is not just a result of wind, but also of its adaptability to the local soil and climate conditions. "We've been studying the tree's roots and soil structure, and it's clear that the tree has developed a unique relationship with its environment," said Dr. John Taylor, a leading expert in tree biology. "The tree's ability to adapt to these conditions is a testament to its incredible strength and resilience." The tree's award win is a significant recognition of the importance of trees in maintaining the health and integrity of our infrastructure.

The winning tree was chosen from a shortlist of five finalists, and the announcement was made at a ceremony held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from the forestry and horticulture industries, as well as representatives from the UK government. The tree's owner, local resident Jane Smith, was on hand to accept the award and express her pride in her tree's achievement. "I'm absolutely delighted that our tree has won this award," she said. "It's a testament to the hard work and dedication of my team, who have worked tirelessly to care for this incredible tree.

As the global infrastructure landscape continues to evolve, the importance of trees like the Bendy Tree cannot be overstated. Trees play a critical role in maintaining the health and integrity of our infrastructure, from providing shade and shelter to helping to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events. According to a report by the International Society of Arboriculture, trees can save cities millions of dollars in maintenance costs by providing shade, reducing the need for air conditioning, and improving air quality. The Bendy Tree's award win is a significant recognition of the critical role that trees play in maintaining the health and integrity of our infrastructure.

The tree's award win also has implications for the forestry and horticulture industries, which are critical to the UK's economy. According to a report by the Forestry Commission, the forestry industry is worth over £1 billion to the UK economy each year, and the horticulture industry is worth over £2 billion. The Bendy Tree's award win is a significant boost to these industries, and highlights the importance of investing in tree care and maintenance. "This award win is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we're proud to be part of an industry that is so critical to the UK's economy," said Sarah Jenkins, Dr. Taylor, and Jane Smith in a joint statement.

The Bendy Tree's award win is part of a larger trend towards recognizing the importance of trees in maintaining the health and integrity of our infrastructure. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the critical role that trees play in mitigating the effects of climate change, from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to providing shade and shelter. According to a report by the United Nations, trees are responsible for producing over 28% of the world's oxygen, and play a critical role in maintaining the health and integrity of our ecosystems.