Ten of the United Kingdom’s most resilient trees have been shortlisted for this year’s Tree of the Year award, organized annually by the Woodland Trust to spotlight ancient, rare, or endangered trees across the country. Public voting opened this week and will run through late September on the Woodland Trust website. The winner is set to be announced in early October and will go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year contest.

The selection reflects this year’s theme, “against all odds,” highlighting trees that have endured exceptional challenges. Among the contenders is the "Bomber Oak" in Rutland, an oak tree marked by a slight dip in its canopy and twisted branches after being struck by a Lancaster bomber during the Second World War. The tree also narrowly escaped removal when a water company planned nearby pipeline work decades later.

Another notable finalist is the Crowhurst Yew in East Sussex, which was hit by a cannonball during the English Civil War. Villagers discovered the embedded cannonball in 1820, further emphasizing the tree’s historical significance. The yew is believed to be up to 4,000 years old, underscoring its status as one of the UK’s oldest living trees.

Other shortlisted trees include a birch clinging precariously to a cliff in County Durham, illustrating the theme of survival in harsh conditions. Additionally, a public-selected “wildcard” tree, the Balloch Castle Ash near Loch Lomond, stands on the grounds of a semi-derelict castle and has faced repeated trials over its 150 years, including lightning strikes, severe weather, disease from ash dieback, significant foot traffic from tourists, and even the impact of an Oasis concert held nearby.

May Chemais, who oversees the Ancient Tree Inventory at the Woodland Trust, noted that the competition offers an opportunity for the public to discover the remarkable stories behind these natural survivors. The initiative seeks to foster a greater appreciation for nature’s resilience and raise awareness about the importance of protecting these iconic trees for future generations.