Votes call to make Llanfyllin's Lonely Tree special

For the past six weeks the conservation charity's Special Places campaign has sparked a national conversation that has seen people talking about, and voting for, their own special place in Wales.

Now the public are being asked to vote in person at The Corner Shop July 31, or online by August 3, to help make The Lonely Tree champion as it battles against places such as Dyffryn Gardens, Gower and Hay-on-Wye.

The Lonely Tree was shortlisted by judges for the way the town rallied together to keep alive something that means so much to it.

It was also voted by the public for its great views of the Wrekin – and today celebrities, AMs and local townspeople are getting behind The Lonely Tree and urging the public to vote for it as the final winner.

Ann Williams, Llanfyllin town mayor, said: "What great news to hear that The Lonely Tree has made the shortlist for Special Places. It really is such a strong symbol of how much a community can stick together and keep something alive – we still get so much interest in the tree and plenty of visitors who undoubtedly see it as a very special place in Wales. It would be fantastic to get this in the top spot – I'll certainly be rooting for it and placing my vote."

The shortlist was chosen by a panel of official judges, a mixture of travel and heritage experts including broadcaster Roy Noble, travel journalist and TV Presenter Simon Calder and TV wildlife presenter Iolo Williams.

Mr Williams said: "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. It would be great to see this little gem of a place take the winning spot this year."

The iconic tree joins a line-up of much-loved beaches, landmarks and places of cultural interest which have made the National Trust Special Places shortlist for 2014.

Special Places judge and travel expert Simon Calder added: "This fascinating shortlist demonstrates the joyful diversity of Wales: I can't wait to see if traditional seaside locations, Penarth Pier and Tenby, are trumped by the nation's outstanding natural beauty – or whether the works of man will prevail."