Koklīši Pine in Saulkrasti Municipality Competes for Latvia's European Tree of the Year Title

The Saulkrasti municipality has entered the Koklīši pine into this year's "European Tree of the Year in Latvia" contest. The tree grows on the sea shore and is popular with locals, tourists and photographers. The municipality is asking the public to back this natural landmark in a vote that runs until 10 November.

About the tree

According to the municipality, the Koklīši pine has become an important landmark marking the start of the stony beach at Zvejniekciems. Its trunk measures between 90 centimetres and one metre in circumference. Up to the point where its top was broken off some time ago, the tree is about seven metres tall; including the upper branches, its total height reaches almost ten metres.

The pine has endured storms over the years and still stands firmly right on the coast. The municipality presents it as an example that a tree's value is not determined by size or age alone. It is one of the most photographed natural objects on the Saulkrasti coast. Particularly striking views can be captured at night, when the silhouette of the pine appears against the northern lights, regularly drawing nature photographers.

How to vote

Voting takes place on the contest's official website, eiropasgadakoks.lv. Each resident may cast one vote.

About the contest

The "European Tree of the Year in Latvia" contest is organised by the Latvian Forest Certification Council in cooperation with the Latvian Forest Owners' Association. The initiative aims to encourage people to discover local environmental and cultural heritage and to share stories about trees that form an integral part of Latvia's nature, landscape and history.