A picturesque tree is in the running to be named the best in Britain.
The hawthorn tree on the Kippford shore has made it through to the final 10 in the Woodland Trust’s annual Tree of the Year competition.
The winner will be decided by a public vote.
The nomination for the Kippford tree states: “A lonesome but fiercely proud hawthorn still managing to guard the coastline despite being battered by the elements is a fine example of a mature tree.
“And while not spectacular in size it cuts a striking presence in an unusual setting and is equally as important as more imposing specimens.”
Head of campaigning for the Woodland Trust Adam Cormack said the competition acts as “a reminder of the natural connection that we have with trees”.
He added: “It’s all about that wow moment that people get when they see a tree they appreciate,” he added. “This could be standing under a magnificent old oak or noticing the autumn colours of a street tree on the school run.
“This connection is something that children and adults share. Trees can make us happy, healthy, thoughtful – or upset when they are lost from our lives. The nominations we receive for Tree of the Year on social media are a window into the way we experience trees and the richness they bring to our lives.
“But Tree of The Year has a serious message. Many of our oldest and most special trees in the UK have no form of legal protection. It’s time that our oldest trees got the same protection as our oldest buildings.
Votes can be cast online at www.woodlandtrust.org.uk until 12noon on Monday, with the winner going forward to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition.
