8 October 2026

SDLP MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed the historic news that Newcastle's famous Bendy Tree has been crowned the Woodland Trust's UK Tree of the Year 2026, becoming the first tree from Northern Ireland to receive the prestigious title.

Mr McGrath has now written to Newry, Mourne and Down District Council requesting that a commemorative plaque be installed beside the tree to celebrate this remarkable achievement.

Mr McGrath said: 

"This is an absolutely wonderful day for Newcastle, and a moment of real pride for our entire community.

"For more than 150 years, our Bendy Tree has stood on Newcastle Promenade, battered by storms, bent by the winds coming off the Irish Sea, and surviving when so many other trees were lost.

"But what makes this tree special isn't simply its remarkable resilience. It's the place it holds in people's hearts.

"Generations of families have walked past it, children have played beside it, friendships have formed beneath it, and memories have been made around it. Some trees grow in a community, but others become part of that community. Our Bendy Tree is certainly one of those.

"I have written to the Council asking that this historic achievement be recognised with a permanent commemorative plaque, so that residents and visitors alike can celebrate the story of this extraordinary tree.

"To become the first tree from Northern Ireland to win this award is something Newcastle should be immensely proud of.

"Our Bendy Tree has spent 150 years standing strong for Newcastle. Now Newcastle has made sure the whole of the UK knows its story.
"And I hope it will continue to stand proudly on our promenade for generations to come."