Write a commentA campaign has been launched to make a Rpstrevor tree European Tree of the Year 2017.
At present NI Tree of the Year, the Holm Oak Tree in Kilbroney Forest Park, Rostrevor stands on the left, just inside the main Fairy Glen entrance to Kilbroney Park and it has been nominated by Alistair Livingstone on behalf of LIGHT 2000 Community Group.
Voting is now open until 28 February and you can vote at http://www.treeoftheyear.org
Holm Oak Rostrevor
Standing on the left, just inside the main Fairy Glen entrance to Kilbroney Park, this wonderful evergreen Holm Oak has been much loved by many generations of Rostrevor locals. It has a girth of 3.6 metres with a typical snakeskin bark. It is a distinctive oak because of the 45° angle at which it leans, making it safe and easy for young children to climb. Unfortunately one of the huge boughs has become enormously heavy with age and is now in need of some assistance. Kilbroney Park is home to many remarkable trees, but this tree was unanimously chosen as the favourite by members of our community group. Tommy Sands, president of the Fiddlers Green International Music Festival, wrote: 'My vote goes for the bendy tree that may be bent but not broken. It was for many years the tree that we gathered under during the Festival for children's concerts, and will be again.”
A note from old Holmer: I’m the 200-year-old leaning Holm Oak near the Fairy Glen in Rostrevor - now I need support! I’ve been loved by generations of local people; for decades, artists, writers and musicians have been inspired under my evergreen leaves. Charles Dickens, C. S. Lewis and the young Princess Elizabeth have walked the ground I stand on. Hundreds of children have climbed my strong dragon-skin back or swung from my branches. We’ve all become friends. I hear your voices: you touch my spirit as I reach for the light.
How To Vote
When you go to the voting page it will ask you to choose two trees to vote for (please make sure one of them is the Holm Oak, Rostrevor!) it will then email you a link to complete your vote (just to verify your email address works) so please click the emailed link to confirm your vote - many thanks!
