Ding Dong tree
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| The Ding Dong Tree | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Species | Copper beech (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) |
| Location | Prestonpans, Scotland |
| Coordinates | 55°57′14″N 2°58′31″W / 55.9540°N 2.9753°W |
| Custodian | Prestonpans Primary School |
The Ding Dong tree is a Copper beech tree (Fagus sylvatica f. purpurea) in Prestonpans, Scotland, named Scotland's Tree of the Year in 2016.[1] It achieved 8th place in the European Tree of the Year Award the following year.[2] Although young compared to other trees in these annual competitions,[3] the Ding Dong Tree was recognised as having become 'central to the life and identity of the school' on whose grounds it sits,[2] and a prominent example of 'what individual trees can mean to people'.[4]
The Ding Dong tree is a copper beech, approximately 30 years old.[2] It is located in the grounds of Prestonpans Primary School, where it gained its nickname from a game played by children at the school.[1] The name arose from a game of 'tig' (or tag), in which pupils of the school race to touch the tree's trunk, shouting 'Ding Dong' when they succeed.[2] The tree's canopy is used by the school as a kind of 'outdoor classroom',[1] and it is also acknowledged for its calming influence on children with complex emotional needs.[1] The Ding Dong tree has been the focus of many art and science projects.[1] Inside the school, pictures of the tree form a calendar display throughout the year, alongside commemorations of pupils' achievements.[1]
In 2016, the Ding Dong tree was named Scotland's Tree of the Year, in an annual competition run by the Woodland Trust.[1] The win was announced at a reception in the Scottish Parliament[5] and on television the next month.[1] The prize included up to £1000 towards maintenance of the tree.[1] The following year, the Ding Dong tree won 6,327 votes in the European Tree of the Year competition, obtaining 8th place among 16 contenders from across Europe.[2]