UK Trees Including Beatles Cedar Shortlisted for Tree of Year 2025

A 300-year-old cedar tree located in the gardens of Chiswick House, London, has been shortlisted for the Woodland Trust's Tree of the Year 2025 award, which celebrates rare, ancient, or at-risk trees that have cultural significance. This cedar is notable for its connection to The Beatles, who perched on its low-swooping boughs for the 1966 music video of their song "Rain," with the image also used on the cover of their Nowhere Man EP. The competition's theme, "Rooted in Culture," highlights trees that have inspired creativity and become part of the cultural landscape. Other notable nominees include the Knole Park Oak, thought to have inspired Virginia Woolf, the Tree of Peace and Unity in Northern Ireland which symbolizes political harmony, and the King of Limbs oak that inspired Radiohead. Dame Judi Dench, patron of the Woodland Trust, emphasized the importance of these ancient trees as part of the UK's heritage, encouraging public voting. The winner will be announced in September and will represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year finals.