Could Glasgow’s ‘defiant giant’ be crowned European Tree of the Year?
Senior PR officer
The Argyle Street Ash, which topped the Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year competition, is now in the running for the European title – and it needs your vote.
Standing at 23 metres (75 feet) tall, this remarkable tree has weathered Glasgow’s industrialisation, the Clydesdale Blitz, ash dieback, and it has been a well-loved and uplifting sight for the community throughout its 175 years.
David Treanor, the arborist who nominated the tree, said:
“Our Defiant Giant is rooted in the hearts of so many people in Glasgow and across the UK. Now it’s time to share its story with the rest of Europe. This is a unique urban tree that we are proud to have as part of our city. Its survival against the odds and reassuring presence make it a symbol of hope. We want to dream big and think it will speak to people in cities around the world. Please vote for the Argyle Street Ash!”
The tree was described by James Cowan in his 1951 book, From Glasgow’s Treasure Chest, as “quite the most graceful ash I have seen” – a quote framed on the wall of the pub opposite, known for its Gaelic live music scene. The pub’s landlady helped campaign for it to win the UK competition, along with Belle and Sebastian frontman, Stuart Murdoch, and many others from the community.
Affectionately dubbed ‘the only tree in Argyle Street’, the ash is now the last of several trees that used to line this busy city road, and remains a welcome habitat for birds and other wildlife. It is also thought to have received the city’s first ever Tree Preservation Order in 1980.
Anna Perks, Tree Equity Lead at the Woodland Trust, said:
"It's been a delight to see the public’s connection with this urban tree. With so many of us living in towns and cities, it has never been more important to recognise and cherish trees as a vital part of every neighbourhood. Trees like the Argyle Street Ash help improve air quality, provide shade and boost biodiversity. At the Woodland Trust, we believe every community should have access to the health and wellbeing benefits of trees.”
The Woodland Trust’s UK Tree of the Year competition, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, is run annually in celebration of the nation’s trees. The theme of the 2025 edition, which was won by the Argyle Street Ash, was ‘Rooted in Culture’.
Voting is open from 2 February until 22 February via European Tree of the Year's website.
Notes to editors
For enquiries please contact: Rosa via media@woodlandtrust.org.uk or at 033 033 35313.
About the Woodland Trust
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity with a vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature. We have more than 500, 000 members and supporters and care for more than 1,000 woods – all free for everyone to visit.
We’ve been fighting for the health of people and planet with every tree since 1972, but today our mission is more urgent than ever.
We focus on three key aims:
- protecting the UK’s remaining rare, unique and irreplaceable ancient woodland
- restoring damaged ancient woods, helping bring precious pieces of our natural history back to life
- creating new native woods and planting more trees to build healthy, resilient landscapes for people and wildlife.
People’s Postcode Lottery operates charity lotteries on behalf of 20 independent trusts. Its players have raised more than £1.5 billion for charities and good causes since 2005. The Woodland Trust has received more than £28 million thanks to Postcode Lottery players. Funds are awarded by Postcode Green Trust.
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