Newry, Mourne and Down District Council plans to protect Newcastle's award-winning landmark tree

AFTER being crowned UK Tree of the Year 2026, winning a whole new legion of fans and taking

more than 30% of the national public vote, the 150 year-old Wych Elm is to have a special

support structure constructed to help stabilise it. The iconic tree’s root plate is experiencing

significant decay, with the new support currently at the design stage.

The success of the affectionately known “bendy tree” in the Woodland Trust competition has

been lauded far and wide, but there is one group of people who were especially proud of its

success - Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s maintenance crew.

They lovingly look after the instantly recognisable Wych Elm and its sweeping, leafy branches

which form an unmistakeable arch. The crew was rooting for the bendy tree in the UK-wide

competition, the theme of which was Against All Odds, with trees shortlisted for being

impressive, beautiful and sometimes baffling examples of how nature can survive adversity.

Out in all weathers, the maintenance crew is responsible for preserving the tree located on the

promenade and within touching distance of the beach and Dundrum Bay, watching over the

resort’s transformation for a century and a half.

The Council staff cut grass, remove litter and undertake annual and formative pruning at the

tree, admitting it is very dear to them. The Wych Elm was once part of a long line of such trees

stretching along the promenade with the Council crew delighted with its success and caring for

it as one of their own.

The Elm is the sole survivor of a line of trees planted along the original promenade in the 19th

Century to shelter it from the sea breeze. It’s been battered by gale force winds for decades,

which framed its now iconic shape, with the award-winning tree putting the ordinary into

extraordinary, adapting to its surroundings and displaying remarkable resolve.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “Our

maintenance crews are among the organisation’s unsung heroes, diligently carrying out their

work and caring for this very special tree in the heart of Newcastle which has become

something of a national treasure.

“Pummelled by storms over a century and a half, the tree remains standing, adapting to its

surroundings and continuing to be enjoyed by so many people. I am delighted the Council is

taking steps to help protect this much-loved tree for many years to come.”

Cllr Hanna added: “Thanks to our dedicated grounds maintenance crew for their care and

commitment which has helped preserve this cherished landmark for future generations. It’s

truly a unique piece of living heritage.”