The Peace Tree

Species: Oak (Quercus robur)
Age: 96 years years
Region: Woodvale Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK

This oak, in Belfast's Woodvale Park, was planted on Empire Day, 1919. It is a tree of remembrance and peace, in honour of those who never returned from the First World War. It became an important focal point for veterans for years after the war, before being forgotten. The tree was rediscovered in 2006 (the 90th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme)and became reinvigorated back into the community. A railing, put in place by Belfast City Council, now surrounds it. And with the newly commissioned European War Memorial now adjacent, visitor interest has flourished.
Tree of the year 2016
628 votes
13th place
Nominated by:
National contest organizer: Woodland Trust Northern Ireland
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