(Updated 15/2/2013): Each year, a remarkable tree is chosen as the European Tree of the Year. It’s a contest where ”we search for the tree closes to your heart, a tree with a story that can hold the community together.’
Ireland’s entry: ‘King Oak’
Charleville Estate’s ‘King Oak’ has been accepted as Ireland’s entry in the 2013 European Tree of the Year Contest – thanks to Just Forests for this campaign.
Tree name: King Oak
Location: Charleville Forest Estate, Tullamore, Co Offaly, Ireland
Species: Pendunculate Oak (quercus robar)
Age: 400-800 years old
For generations of Tullamore men and women as well as their children, their grand children and their great-grand children, Charleville Estate’s King Oak has left lasting impressions on their minds.
Most Tullamore inhabitants have interacted with the King Oak at some time in their lives. To climb its majestic lower branches – that now touch the ground and stretch to an amazing 50 meters was a sign of great courage. Teenage romances started and ended at this mysterious giant tree. Estimates put King Oak at between 400 and 800 years old. It is generally accepted that King Oak is a descendant of Ireland’s original oak forests.
After centuries of weathering the strain of the thousands of people who climbed it and who were touched by its awesome size and mysterious legend it still fascinates all who encounter it.
How to vote
Go to http://www.treeoftheyear.org and cast your vote! Voting will finish on 28 February 2013. The result will be announced on the 1st March 2013.
Update – 4 March 2013
King Oak got third place in the European tree of the year competition. Thanks to everyone who supported the Irish entry and well done to Just Forests for organising the Irish entry.
The winner was the Plane Tree in Kozy, South Poland
Update – 15 February 2013
We need your votes, Ireland! At the moment, the Plane tree from Poland is winning.
Standings in the middle of the voting period: (more info on www.treeoftheyear.org)
1st – Plane Tree in Kozy, Poland
2nd – Plane tree in Eger, Hungary
3rd – King Oak in Tullamore, Ireland
4th – The Mulberry and Walnut trees of Glushnik, Bulgaria
5th – Lime Tree in the Nové Dvory Alley, Czech Republic
6th – Plane Tree from Komjatice, Slovakia
