Scotland’s Ancient Skipinnish Oak Wins UK Tree of the Year | Trees and forests

An ancient oak tree named after a ceilidh band has won the UK’s tree of the year competition and will now compete in the European edition.

The Skipinnish Oak in Lochaber, Scotland, was discovered by chance by members of the band of that name, who were playing a nearby gig for the Native Woodland Discussion Group.

It is in the middle of a sitka spruce plantation, and expert delegates from the discussion group recorded it in the old timber inventory.

The Skipin oak is one of the largest trees of its kind in the region, which has been populated by non-native woodlands. It is a fragment of the ancient ecosystem and provides a home to various lichens, including the rare black-eyed Susan.

The Skipin band said they were delighted the tree won and plan to compose a new song in honor of the mighty oak.

The Woodland Trust, which runs the competition, chose 12 ancient oaks for the shortlist this year to highlight their significance. They can live for more than 1,500 years and support 2,300 animal species. Britain boasts more ancient oak trees than the rest of Western Europe combined.

Skipinnish Oak won 21% of the vote, while Darwin Oak in Shrewsbury came second with 20%. The 1,000-year-old Bowthorpe Oak in Lincolnshire was third with 14%.

Other shortlisted oaks included the Queen Elizabeth Oak in West Sussex, the second largest standing oak to date, and the Elephant Oak in the New Forest, nominated for its unique shape and character.

Dr. Kate Lewthwaite from the Woodland Trust said: “The Skipinnish Oak is a magnificent example of the natural heritage we strive to protect and its recognition as UK Tree of the Year shines a light on the incredible biodiversity our trees support. We encourage everyone to celebrate and preserve these vital features of our environment.”

The next competition for Tree of the Year in Europe will take place in 2025.