The Climate Change Tree situated at Gartmorn Dam, near Alloa, is one of five contenders to be named Scotland’s tree of the year and win a cash care package.
Nominated by Chris Knapman, the twisted sycamore thrives within a post-industrial landscape.
Credit:BBC
It continues to grow on top of the eroding remains of fossil fuels and survive the environmental damage around it. Getting its name the climate change tree.
Sherriffyards Colliery where the tree is located closed in 1921 and the site is now a country park and nature reserve.
The Climate Change Tree has subsided and re-grown from its exposed rootplate to create an incredible tangle which triumphs as the industrial site around it withers.
There are five other trees from across Scotland in the running. Including the Milarrochy Oak on Loch Lomond, and Queen Mary’s Thorn situated at the University of St Andrews.
The cash prize can be spent on works to benefit its health, interpretation signage or community celebration.
The competition is run by Woodland Trust and supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery.
Carol Evans, Woodland Trust Scotland director, believes the coronavirus lockdown has had an effect on the competition – with twice as many nominations being submitted this year.
She said: “There was a common theme to a lot of the trees and their stories – of tenacity and hanging on against the odds.
“There were a handful of trees just outside the final six, which had been discovered or were provoking particular affection during people’s daily walks.”
“Everyone has taken solace from the nature on their doorstep and it has been quite moving to see so many trees that became places to escape, gyms and classrooms.”
The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges who considered 50 trees. The winner will go on to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition.
Film Media and Journalism student at the University of Stirling. Editor in Chief at Brig Newspaper. Edinburgh / Stirling
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