Tree:
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The Pet-oak
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Country:
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Netherlands
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Species:
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Common oak
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Age:
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180 years
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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:
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Kneeling Tree
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Country:
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Poland
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Species:
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Ash-leaved maple
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Age:
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65 years
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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:
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Secular Holm Oak from Monte Barbeiro
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Country:
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Portugal
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Species:
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Holm oak
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Age:
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150 years
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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:
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The towering plane from Câmpeni
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Country:
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Romania
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Species:
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Plane tree
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Age:
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200 years
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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:
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The Abramtsevo Oak
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Country:
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Russian Federation
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Species:
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English oak
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Age:
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248 years
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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:
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The Guardian of Great Moravia's
secrets
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Country:
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Slovakia
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Species:
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Large-leaved lime
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Age:
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235 years
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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:
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Elm of Navajas
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Country:
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Spain
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Species:
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Elm
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Age:
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382 years
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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:
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Nellie’s Tree
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Country:
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United Kingdom
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Species:
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Beech
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Age:
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100 years
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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.
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