European Tree of the Year, Part 2

 Continuing yesetrday's post . . . 

Tree:	The Pet-oak
Country:	Netherlands
Species:	Common oak
Age:	180 years
The tree’s story: The beloved, endangered ‘Pet-oak’ When highway A58 was constructed in 1986, numerous oaks on the Anneville Estate had to be cut down. This oak, in the centre reservation, was the only one left standing. Close to the Belgian border, it became a landmark for many drivers on their journey. The beloved oak is now threatened with felling, thanks to plans to broaden the highway which lead to widespread protests. Out of 12 nominated Dutch trees, the 'Pet-oak' won with an overwhelming majority.

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Tree:	Kneeling Tree
Country:	Poland
Species:	Ash-leaved maple
Age:	65 years
The tree’s story: Kneeling tree - a symbol of determination Several years ago, a 'kneeling' tree was identified for felling, as "unsightly and deformed". This met with vocal opposition, as a result of which the tree was saved. Today, it is a popular object for photographers, a playground for children, as well as a common theme of artworks. The form of a tree falling to the ground, as if broken, then rising with its crown towards the sun symbolizes determination in pursuing a goal, as well as a hope that does not allow itself to give up.

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Tree:	Secular Holm Oak from Monte Barbeiro
Country:	Portugal
Species:	Holm oak
Age:	150 years
The tree’s story: The centenary shadow tree The holm oak is a very resilient tree, part of a unique Mediterranean production system - the "Montado", that sustains the economy of fragile territories and contributes to biodiversity and rural development. The best way to understand the magnificence of the Secular Holm Oak is by its large shadow. Sitting under the tree canopy makes the scorching heat in Alentejo summer almost bearable, allowing us to contemplate the vastness of the surrounding plains, breathing its peace and quietness.

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Tree:	The towering plane from Câmpeni
Country:	Romania
Species:	Plane tree
Age:	200 years
The tree’s story: The towering plane from Câmpeni The plane tree from Câmpeni, in the Apuseni Mountains, has an incredible story. At the beginning of 2018, at the initiative of the local authorities, it was marked for felling. The community united around the tree and fought to save it, turning it into a symbol of love for nature and of unity for the community in the Apuseni Mountains, but also for all Romania. In honor of the centenary of Romania, the tree was awarded the title "Romanian Tree of the Year".

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Tree:	The Abramtsevo Oak
Country:	Russian Federation
Species:	English oak
Age:	248 years
The tree’s story: The Abramtsevo Oak gives inspiration to painters and poets The mighty oak grows in the reserved area of the Abramtsevo State Museum of History, Art and Literature in the Moscow Region. It is 248 years old. Within its lifetime the tree has seen many outstanding Russian people of art - painters, poets, actors. Gogol, Turgenev, Repin, Vasnetsov, Levitan, Surikov and Polenov walked under its large spreading crown. One of the most famous works by V.M. Vasnetsov “Oak Grove in Abramtsevo”, painted in 1883, is still housed at the Tretyakov State Gallery.

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Tree:	The Guardian of Great Moravia's secrets
Country:	Slovakia
Species:	Large-leaved lime
Age:	235 years
The tree’s story: The Lime guarding secrets On the edge of the village of Kopčany, in a quiet meadow, there is an old lime and an old church. They protect each other and have resisted the weather for more than two hundred years. The church is from the 9th - 10th century, and is one of the oldest buildings of the Great Moravian period of Slovakia. They create a typical sacred couple for our country - the lime with its roots protects the forgotten stories of the ancestors from the Great Moravian Empire and completes the unspoken atmosphere of this archaeologically and culturally significant place.

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Tree:	Elm of Navajas
Country:	Spain
Species:	Elm
Age:	382 years
The tree’s story: A very loved elm This Elm is one of the greatest sources of historical pride in Navajas, a small town of 750 inhabitants, where they have always professed a great love and respect for trees. On the plaque that recalls its origin reads "This elm was planted by Roque Pastor in the year 1636". Its 382 years of life make it unique in Europe. On its 350th birthday the inhabitants made a hymn to the elm tree, a program of events throughout the year and elm cuttings were distributed everywhere, even in Germany.

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Tree:	Nellie’s Tree
Country:	United Kingdom
Species:	Beech
Age:	100 years
The tree’s story: The most romantic tree in England Nearly 100 years ago, Vic Stead would walk to the nearby village to visit Nellie, the young lady he was courting. One day, he came across three beech saplings on his route, and grafted one sapling between the other two to form the letter N, in an attempt to woo his sweetheart. Vic and Nellie would go on to marry and have a family, and although they are both gone now, Nellie’s tree, also known as the Love Tree, still remains. It is still popular with lovers today and is the site of proposals.