Tree of the Year Candidate: A centuries-old Andalusian Oak
A remarkable oak stands in the Guadalporcún river plain near Coripe in Seville. This 400-year-old giant reaches about 12 meters in height and features a trunk circumference exceeding four meters. It aspires to be recognized as Tree of the Year in Europe, with voting currently underway across the continent.
The tree earned Spain’s Tree of the Year title recently, earning it the right to compete in the European contest. Bosques sin Fronteras, the organization behind Spain’s competition, reported that very old and highly symbolic trees from 15 European countries participated this year, in collaboration with the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. The award process highlights the role of ancient trees as living witnesses to history and as guardians of local ecosystems.
This oak, more than four centuries old, emerged as the most-voted candidate in the Spanish edition. Ten other trees and two forests from different Spanish provinces were also in the running. It garnered nearly 3,715 votes, placing it ahead of the Pantanos Cypress in Maria Luisa Park (Seville) and a Himalayan Cedar from Jerez de la Frontera Zoo. All top contenders hailed from Andalusia, underscoring regional pride in Europe’s living heritage.
The tree’s stature and presence make it a towering symbol for locals who encounter it daily. Its grounds host a variety of community activities, especially around mid-May when seasonal celebrations and local festivals occur. A notable event is a pilgrimage to Fátima that has grown in significance over the years. Given its uniqueness, the surrounding landscape serves as a natural classroom for environmental education programs led by regional organizers, reinforcing the connection between people and their trees.
The tree is described as a historic reference point that highlights the long-standing importance of trees in the region. Its status as a living monument invites communities to reflect on conservation, heritage, and the shared responsibility to protect ancient ecosystems for future generations, as noted by the organizing body and regional stakeholders.
The extraordinary dimensions of this oak make it a clear landmark for residents and visitors alike, a living relic that speaks to the passage of time and the enduring value of nature in everyday life. Local observers emphasize that preserving such trees helps maintain cultural memory and biodiversity, while also enriching the landscape with educational opportunities and public gatherings that celebrate the natural world.
How to Cast a Vote?
Voting details are widely circulated through official channels and local media. The public can participate in the online ballot process during the current voting window, with the period closing on February 22 at 16:00. Vote tallies are kept confidential during the competition, and final results are announced on two predetermined dates in February. This process invites citizens to engage with a tradition that honors ancient trees and their role in European cultural and ecological heritage.
Public engagement and outreach efforts from environmental authorities continue to emphasize the significance of protecting ancient flora and educating younger generations about forest stewardship, biodiversity, and the history embedded in these remarkable trees.
For further information about the campaign and the broader context of Tree of the Year, researchers and interested readers are encouraged to consult official summaries and local reports that document the competition’s impact, the candidates, and the communities involved. The discourse surrounding these trees reinforces the idea that heritage trees are valuable assets for both people and nature.