170-Year-Old Ash Crowned UK's Tree of the Year

In a surprising turn of events, a 170-year-old ash tree in Glasgow, Scotland has been named the UK's Tree of the Year for 2025. The "Argyle Street Ash," as it is known, was initially overlooked by the panel of experts tasked with selecting the finalists, but was ultimately chosen as the winner after being nominated by the public as a wildcard entry.

The tree's unique history and resilience in the face of adversity have captured the public's imagination. First mentioned in a 1951 book by journalist James Cowan, the ash was described as "unusually graceful" and "quite the most graceful ash" the author had ever seen. This early account of the tree's existence has helped cement its cultural significance.

Despite the ongoing threat of a fungal disease that has devastated millions of ash trees across the UK in recent years, the Argyle Street Ash appears to be thriving. Arborist David Treanor, who has been managing the tree, notes that it shows no significant signs of dieback, a testament to its remarkable resilience. Some researchers believe that urban stressors may actually select for the most resilient individuals, and the Argyle Street Ash could be living proof of this phenomenon.

As the winner of the UK's Tree of the Year competition, the Argyle Street Ash will now go on to represent the country in the European Tree of the Year finals in early 2026. This recognition is a testament to the tree's enduring beauty, cultural significance, and ability to withstand the challenges of its urban environment.