Anna Gomułka, president of the Foundation for Family and the Revitalisation of the Polish Countryside from Dalkowo, said the venerable tree holds deep cultural and ecological significance for the local community.
“In the very centre of our historic park, this beech, with its distinctive purple-tinged leaves in early spring, has stood for over three centuries,” Gomułka said.
“It is a living symbol around which many cultural events—concerts, literary gatherings—and educational activities, including ecological lessons and horticultural therapy workshops for people with disabilities, take place.”
The tree, located in the heart of a range of hills stretching over 120 kilometers, now joins 15 other finalists in the European Tree of the Year competition. Gomułka urged the public to vote in order to help maintain Poland’s strong record in the contest.
Polish candidates have previously won the award four times, including the “Józef Oak” from Wiśniowa in the Subcarpathian region, the “Dunin Oak” from Białowieża Forest, the “Fabrykant Oak” from Łódź, and the “Heart of the Garden” beech from the Wojsławice Arboretum.
Voting for this year’s competition remains open until February 24.
(jh)
Source: IAR