Oak Dunin (2022) by Zofia Eliza SzewczykEuropean Tree of the Year
The tree grows on the edge of the forest on the periphery of the village of Przybudki. In the past, it was struck by lightning. There used to be guard boxes separating the royal forests.
Today it stands alone, the old original forest that surrounded it has been cut down, but the oak still stands proudly in the wide expanse of the Bialowieza Forest.
Oak Dunin (2022) by Tomasz ArciszewskiEuropean Tree of the Year
Białowieża Forest
The forest is located near the eastern border of Poland and Belarus and is one of the most valuable natural ecosystems in Europe. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and parts of it are also included in the Natura 2000 network.
European Region of Wisent
The symbol of this region is undoubtedly the European bison. In the early 20th century the animal was extirpated here, but the bison population has returned over time and today the area is known as the 'European Region of Wisent'.
Oak Dunin (2022) by Tomasz KamińskiEuropean Tree of the Year
Name "Dunin"
The tree is named Dunin in honour of the Belarusian poet and playwright Vincent Dunin Marcinkiewicz, previously known as the Guardian of the Forest. In Poland, he became an inspiration for many artists, featuring on the cover of a music album, in several films and paintings.
The tree's present disheveled shape is the result of a lightning strike that broke the tree's branches. Due to the poor state of the tree's health, the municipality organised a collection for the tree's treatment, in which it managed to raise about 10,000 zlotys to save it.
Oak Dunin (2022) by ELOEuropean Tree of the Year
Oak Dunin was announced as a European Tree of the Year 2022 winner during the Award Ceremony in Brussels. The prize was handed over to Agnieszka Przygodzka on behalf of Klub Gaja, Polish environmental organization that nominated the oak into the contest.
The tree was supported by 179 317 voters and so reached the record number of votes in the history of the contest.
Oak Dunin was not the only succesful oak tree in the contest in 2022. Oak of Conxo's Banquet Forest from Spain was placed 2nd and the 3rd place went to Portugal to The Big Cork Oak.
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Thank you!
The tree was nominated into the European Tree of the Year contest by Klub Gaja.
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