Lithuania's Laukiai Oak Wins European Tree of the Year Contest
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A 400-year-old oak in Lithuania has been named the European Tree of the Year, ending Poland's four-year winning streak. The winner was selected from among 12 countries through a new voting system designed to prevent bulk voting. The local community recently restored the area around the historic tree.
Facts First
- Lithuania's 400-year-old Laukiai Oak wins the 2024 European Tree of the Year contest.
- The victory ends a four-year streak of wins by Poland.
- A new 'tree point' voting system was introduced to prevent outcomes based solely on mobilized voter numbers.
- Over 200,000 votes were cast for special trees from 12 competing countries.
- The local community restored the area around the oak and held a celebration last year.
What Happened
In late March, the European Tree of the Year contest awarded first place to Lithuania's 400-year-old Laukiai Oak. The tree is located in the small Rukai village. This win ended a four-year winning streak by Poland in the competition. The winner was determined after more than 200,000 votes were cast for special trees across 12 different countries. A 150-year-old wild apple tree in Slovakia took second place. A Polish contender was a white elm that grows almost horizontally over a waterway, with branches that have become individual trees.
Why this Matters to You
This contest highlights the value communities place on their local natural heritage. The shift to a new 'tree point' voting system may ensure future winners are selected more on the tree's story and significance rather than just a national voting campaign. If you appreciate historic trees or local environmental initiatives, this result could point to growing recognition and care for such landmarks across Europe.
What's Next
The UK's 2025 national winner, the Argyle Street Ash, placed 12th in this European competition. Many countries hold their own national tree of the year contests, where winners are nominated for the following year's continent-wide edition. The contest's new voting system may be refined in future editions.