Nature lovers are being urged to forget about the recent general election and take part in another poll – for a tree.
The Woodland Trust Scotland is calling on people to nominate trees with “amazing stories to tell” for this year’s Scottish Tree of the Year competition.
Rather than a particular species, organisers are looking to find unique trees that carry significance to an individual, group or organisation.
Last year’s winner was Lady’s Tree, a 100-year-old Scots pine at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Loch of Lowes Visitor Centre and Nature Reserve, which has been home to one of the UK’s oldest nesting ospreys, Lady, for decades.
Carol Evans, director of the Woodland Trust Scotland, said: “Scotland has one of the largest populations of old trees in Europe and plenty that have a remarkable story to tell, whether they are associated with a historical event or character or are a local landmark.
“With the support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery, we aim to draw attention to the wealth of cultural and natural heritage that is reflected by our amazing trees, and also remind people they need better care and protection so that future generations can enjoy them.”
A panel of experts will consider nominations and create a shortlist of six, with the winner decided by public vote later in the year.
Scotland’s Tree of the Year will then join entries from England, Wales and Northern Ireland in representing their nation in the European Tree of the Year competition.
Nominations can be made online at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk until July 12.