300 year-old Polish beech wins Tree of the Year contest

Maddie Molloy

BBC Climate & Science

Marcin_Kopij A majestic Common Beech tree stands in a lush park, its leaves displaying a striking mix of red and orange hues. Clusters of purple rhododendrons add bursts of colour to the foreground and a peaceful path wind through the park. — The 300-year-old winner is a beloved symbol of its local community

The Heart of the Dalkowskie Hills, a breathtaking 300-year-old beech, has won Poland the European Tree of the Year award for the fourth consecutive time.

Standing tall in Dalków’s historic park, the deep-red beauty is a beloved symbol for the community.

Visitors also have a quirky tradition: tossing peanuts into a hole in it, hoping for their wishes to come true.

The contest celebrates our relationship with nature by showcasing beautiful and unique trees from across the continent.

Here are some of the other trees that scored high in the competition:

Ana Rute This Moreton Bay Fig tree has a massive, buttressed trunk and an extensive root system spreading across the ground. Its dense canopy of glossy green leaves provides ample shade, while large, sprawling branches extend outward.

Taking second place is the majestic Portuguese Moreton Bay Fig.

This tree was planted in the 19th Century in Coimbra’s romantic Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens from seeds exchanged with Sydney’s Botanical Garden and is a treasured landmark.

Fran Jara A Stone Pine tree with a broad, umbrella-shaped canopy with dense, dark green foliage. Its sturdy trunk supports sprawling branches, some partially bare. The tree stands against a dramatic night sky time-lapse filled with swirling star trails.

In third place is the Pino de Juan Molinera.

A 400-year-old stone pine in Abengibre, Spain, this tree has sheltered generations of locals and witnessed countless celebrations, childhood games and romances.

It has endured floods, snowstorms and a lightning strike, standing as a testament to resilience and history.

Other notable entries

Jillian Donnachie A massive common oak tree with a thick, gnarled trunk covered in moss. Its sprawling branches twist and extend in all directions, some draped with greenery, while others appear bare and weathered. The tree stands in a dense forest, surrounded by tall, straight trees, contrasting its irregular form.

The Skipinnish Oak in Scotland, UK is a 400-year-old giant, standing proudly in Lochaber’s woodland.

It is one of the region’s largest oaks and a vital ecosystem for rare lichens like the black-eyed Susan.

Recently crowned the UK winner, it is a beloved local treasure.

Rudi Debruyne A large Sweet Chestnut with dense, green foliage stands in a landscaped area surrounded by pathways and grass. In the background, modern brick buildings, a trampoline, and a small pond with benches are visible.

The Old Chestnut of Sint-Rafaël in Belgium is a 150– to 200-year-old witness to the history of Sint-Job-in-‘t-Goor.

David Kabalin A Holm Oak with dense, dark green foliage stands in a paved courtyard near the sea, surrounded by historic stone and plaster buildings. A circular bench surrounds its trunk, while people walk and relax in the shaded area with a view of the water.

The Tree of Freedom in Rab, Croatia, is a 105-year-old holm oak that stands as a symbol of community and heritage.

Generations have cherished it, with many families passing down stories of ancestors who helped plant it. Its centennial was celebrated with a grand event, honouring its role in the town’s history.

Lucie Mojžíšová A large Common Oak with a thick trunk and sprawling branches covered in green leaves, standing on a grassy mound. Small buildings with green doors and wooden fences are visible in the background, providing a sense of scale.

The Lukavice Oak in the Czech Republic is a 700- to 800-year-old survivor, once threatened by estate owners who tried to remove its soil.

Defying destruction, it still stands strong, symbolising resilience and pride for the local community.

Emmanuel Boitier Terre Sauvage A Common Oak stands partially illuminated by artificial lighting near a calm riverbank.

The Peaceful Oak of Saint-Maurice in France is a 200– to 250 year-old guardian of the Laïta River, standing at the entrance of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice.

A haven for wildlife, it even has an otter-shaped bench beside it, honouring its playful regular companion.

Erika Kovács A plane tree stands tall in a sunlit park, its broad canopy casting shade on the grass below. Surrounding trees and a clear blue sky frame the lush green landscape.

The Plane Tree in the Archbishop’s Garden in Hungary is a historic landmark in Eger, known for its grandeur and shaded canopy.

Legend says Hungarian leaders, including Lajos Kossuth, rested beneath it before the 1849 Battle of Kápolna.

SardiniaRegionForestryCorps An ancient yew stands in a rocky forest, its massive trunk showing signs of age. A forestry worker beside it provides scale, highlighting the tree's impressive size.

The Tasso di Matari in Sardinia, Italy, is one of the island’s oldest yew trees, standing for centuries in the Supramonte di Urzulei.

Overlooking an ancient Nuragic village, it bears carvings on its trunk, marking the passage of time.

Agnis Melderis A Common Oak stands in a lush green landscape, its massive trunk encircled by a rope. A group of people in traditional Latvian attire hold the rope, symbolically embracing the ancient tree.

The Mēru Grand Oak in Latvia is a 200 year-old giant with a canopy spanning 39 meters.

Linked to an old legend of survival after the Northern War, it is seen as a guardian of the region.

Giedre Svikle A Common Oak stands in an autumn landscape, its branches covered in golden leaves. The tree's broad canopy contrasts with the deep blue sky, while surrounding trees display a mix of seasonal colours.

The Oak of Varniškės in Lithuania is a more than 200 year-old symbol of strength, love, and tradition.

A family once built their home and herb farm beside it, making it the heart of their lives.

Martin Babarik This Plane Pear tree has a rounded canopy with dense, silvery-green foliage. Its branches spread evenly, creating a balanced shape, and it stands alone in a grassy field under a bright blue sky.

The Wild Pear from Bošáca, Slovakia, is a 150-year-old tree that grew from a stray seed on Lysica Hill.

It stands in a region known for its rich fruit-growing and is a beloved landmark. Its location attracts paragliders and hosts an annual competition for flying historical model airplanes.