A centuries-old tree that once shared the spotlight with The Beatles is now in the running to become Tree of the Year 2025, thanks to the Woodland Trust, the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.
Located in Chiswick House and Gardens in West London, the majestic cedar of Lebanon—affectionately known as “The Beatles’ Cedar Tree”—has just been shortlisted as one of the UK’s ten most culturally significant and visually remarkable trees.
🌳 Rooted in Culture — and Rock History
This year’s Tree of the Year competition is themed “Rooted in Culture”, aiming to celebrate the trees that have played pivotal roles in music, film, literature, and the arts. It’s no surprise, then, that this towering conifer made the cut.
Planted in the 1720s, the cedar has stood witness to more than 300 years of British history—and not without rubbing shoulders with the famous. According to the Woodland Trust, the tree has been admired by Queen Victoria, the Tsar of Russia, and the Shah of Persia.
But what truly sets it apart? Its starring role in two Beatles music videos:
🎵 Paperback Writer
🎵 Rain
The Fab Four were famously filmed perched on its massive lower branches in both videos. The tree also appears on the cover of their 1966 EP Nowhere Man, further solidifying its place in pop culture.
📍 Why This Tree Matters
More than just a rock relic, the Chiswick cedar is a living testament to London’s heritage and biodiversity. The Woodland Trust hailed it as “a stunner in its own right”, not only because of its cultural connections, but because of its immense size, beauty, and age.
Now, the public can play a role in deciding its fate. Of the ten shortlisted trees, one will be chosen by public vote to represent the UK in the European Tree of the Year competition.
🗳️ How to Vote
Voting for the 2025 Tree of the Year will open soon on the Woodland Trust’s official website. The winning tree will go on to compete on a European stage, showcasing the UK’s natural and cultural heritage.
If you’ve ever hummed “Rain” or “Paperback Writer,” this tree might feel like a piece of your own personal soundtrack. Now’s your chance to help it receive the recognition it deserves.
📸 Fast Facts:
- Name: The Beatles’ Cedar Tree
- Species: Cedar of Lebanon (Cedrus libani)
- Location: Chiswick House and Gardens, London
- Estimated age: ~300 years
- Notable appearances:
- Paperback Writer and Rain music videos
- Nowhere Man EP cover
- Notable admirers: Queen Victoria, Tsar of Russia, Shah of Persia
