Scottish Tree Hugging
Championships
Friday 22nd July 2022
Scottish Tree Hugging Champion 2022, Alasdair Firth - Photo Copyright Peter Jolly @ Northpix
An Darach Forest Therapy and Darach Social Croft hosted the Inaugural Scottish Tree Hugging Championships, on Friday 22nd July at Ardtornish as part of the Morvern Games Week.
The winner was Alasdair Firth (pictured), who lives locally on a woodland croft.
This event was run in association with the World Tree Hugging Championships held annually in the HaliPuu Forest in Levi, Lapland, Finland.
The Events
Speed Hugging: Most trees hugged in one minute. In a clearly marked area, hugging as many trees as possible in one minute, each hug lasting a minimum of five seconds
Dedication: Most dedicated hug (showing presence, intention, love, respect etc.) of a specific tree of the participant’s choice, lasting a maximum of one minute
Freestyle: Most creative hug. Style open to participant’s own interpretation, one tree only, lasting a maximum of one minute
The Mission Statement of the Event
To raise awareness of nature in the local and global community
To promote understanding about the benefits of trees for health
To increase appreciation of nature, near and far
To host a friendly, shared experience that can bring people together
Competition Judges
The Tree Hugging Championships will be judged by a panel of independent judges who have an interest in trees, the environment and ‘Green Health’.
Louise Emslie
Green Health Ranger, Cairngorms National Park (Cairngorms 2030: People and Nature Thriving Together Project)
Kate Willis
Green Party Councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan
Nic Goddard
Journalist and Nature-Based Eco-Artist
Whilst this was intended as light-hearted event, there are benefits to hugging trees!
You can watch the Scottish Tree Hugging Championships highlights below:
