Bendy Tree in Northern Ireland Crowned UK Tree of the Year

An unusual sideways-growing wych elm in County Down has secured the UK Tree of the Year crown.

A century-and-a-half-old wych elm in County Down, famous for its sideways growth caused by coastal gales, has clinched the UK Tree of the Year title. Known locally as the Bendy Tree, the specimen in Newcastle triumphed in the annual public vote. Organisers celebrated the remarkable tree for its resilience and unusual shape.

• The winning specimen is a wych elm that has grown horizontally due to persistent strong winds.
• The tree is estimated to be approximately one hundred and fifty years old.
• The winning tree is situated in the coastal town of Newcastle in County Down.