Do you have a favourite tree then enter the tree huggers contest

Is Ireland’s most loved tree in Westmeath? Or is it in Cork or Donegal?

People are known to develop strong emotional ties with trees – yes even the toughest of us!

People with interesting stories about trees from all over Ireland are invited to take part in the search for Ireland’s most loveable tree!

The national Tree Huggers 2015 contest is unlike other contests, in that the age, beauty and height of the trees are not that important.

What is important though is the story that the tree holds for the person that enters the contest.

Trees with historical links or trees planted to commemorate loved ones are seen as living memorials. Big, strong stately trees can be a source of reassurance and give us a sense of place. But, what about lesser-known trees? The ones we secretly identify with.

“Through the National Tree Huggers 2015 Contest Just Forests aims to get people in Ireland to look around them and appreciate the fabulous trees in their locality,” says Tom Roche of the coordinating organisation Just Forests.

If you have a special tree why not enter the contest and tell the world what it means to you.

The deadline for entries is Saturday October 17. Voting for Ireland’s most loved tree will commence on Wednesday October 21 and will continue until Friday November 13 on a dedicated website www.lovemytree.ie

All you have to do is have a hi-resolution picture taken of you hugging your favourite tree, write 120/150 words telling us why that particular tree is important to you and email it your entry to info@justforests.org or phone 086 8049389 for further information.

The tree/story with the most votes will be Ireland’s nomination in the European Tree of the Year Contest which takes place during February 2016.

Winner will also receive a weekend for two in the beautiful Arbutus Hotel in the centre of Killarney and a hand-crafted Irish oak framed copy of their winning tree.