Iconic Lonely Tree has special place in Welsh hearts
The famous Lonely Tree has been voted Wales's third favourite special place as part of a bid to find the country's most treasured landmark.
The Lonely Tree, in Llanfyllin, secured 11 per cent of the vote, taking third place behind Penartth Pier and Cyfartha Castle. It also beat the magnificent Gower coast in West Wales in to fifth place.
The tree has been the subject of a campaign to save it after it was felled in winter storms.
Wildlife broadcaster Iolo Williams, who was one of the judges, said: "It is fantastic news that this little gem has ranked so highly in the public's special places in Wales.
"The Lonely Tree brings back such good memories of my own childhood and being amazed at this lone tree that had stood for over 150 years.
"I think the fact that it blew over only added to its magic as the community came together to spearhead a campaign to keep it alive – even people from across the world donated funds for the cause, so it's no surprise it's done so well in the competition."
The iconic treefought off stiff competition from much-loved places across Wales including Dyffryn Gardens, Brecon Beacons and the Gower but was beaten to the top spot by the Vale of Glamorgan landmark, the newly-renovated Penarth Pier.
Llanfyllin town mayor Ann Williams said: "The Lonely Tree is such a strong symbol of how much a community can stick together and keep something alive, so I'm delighted to hear we've come in third place against such stiff competition."
