The Bendy Tree, County Down (Photo Michael Cooper Photography)

Yes, it’s the Bendy Tree from County Down. You might remember that the theme for this year was resilience – all the shortlisted trees had suffered some kind of trial or tribulation, and all were noble survivors. You can read my original article here, and see the shortlist here.

The Bendy Tree is a wych elm, and is the last in a row of elms probably planted in the mid 19th century to protect the seafront shops from the wind. No questions about the direction of the prevailing wind looking at this tree! And of course it’s also survived Dutch Elm disease, unlike many of the neighbouring trees. Finally, many of the other trees were cut down for redevelopment in the 1980s. But the Bendy Tree survived, and it’s remained a local landmark, with people agreeing to meet ‘under the Bendy Tree’ (or, for those of a nervous disposition, next to it).

The Bendy Tree was a clear winner, gaining 31 percent of the vote. Long may it lean!