The purpose of the European Tree of the Year is to highlight the significance of old trees in the natural and cultural heritage that deserves our care and protection. Unlike other contests, the European Tree of the Year doesn't focus on beauty, size or age but rather on the tree's story and its connection to people. We are looking for trees that have become a part of the wider community.

Every year dozens or rather hundreds of thousands of people participate in the contest. The number of countries participating has increased from 5 to 15. We are always looking for new partners in European countries, so that the protection of trees – bearers of genius loci – becomes a topic of international debate.

The tree's story

The oak of Bátaszék survived as a memory of a forest from the 18th century and the chapel behind it was built at the time of the plague. The tree and the chapel guard the settlement and its people who also found protection here during the flood of 1956. The local farmers have always looked after the tree: they cut the dry branches and painted the stump to protect it from diseases. According to local tradition, the trunk of oak has to be sprinkled with wine in order to ensure next year’s rich grape harvest.

Read more about the contest: http://www.treeoftheyear.org/Uvod.aspx#o-ankete