
Looking forward to TreeHugging World Championships 2021
We had so much fun with our first ever TreeHugging World Championships held in our forest in August 2020, that it was obvious we would make it a yearly event. While we are busy planning the 2021 Championships (save the date 21 August!) you can read more about this year’s event and the winners below:
Meet the winners of TreeHugging World Championships 2020
For the past month we have been busy looking for the first ever TreeHugging World Champions, both live here in our forest as well as virtually around the globe.
Both contests are now done, and we have our winners.
Stefania from Italy won the live Championships in our forest. We had 10 competitors from 10 different countries (because of the Covid-situation all are residents of our village and nobody had to fly in) competing in 3 different treehugging events; speed hugging, dedication and freestyle. The judges had a real hard time picking the winner since all 10 competitors gave their heart and soul to their performance. However, according to the judges Stefania’s way of encountering the trees was “convincingly caring and insightfully profound”. Watch a recording of the event HERE
The online competition was won by Irina from Moscow. Again, the judges had a hard time since there were a lot of touching, fun and creative entries. Well over a hundred pictures were sent in, but not all of them had coordinates of the tree included. The winning picture ”encompassed sheer joy and warmth that exhibited a deep love for nature”. For her winning entry, Irina received a one-week stay in Levi during TreeHugging2021 next year and a private cocooning trip in the HaliPuu -forest.
All of the hugging pictures have now been added on the World Map of Trees in our HaliPuu – Forest in your pocket -phone app, so you will be able to explore everyone’s entries by location. Download the app here: PLAYSTORE or APPSTORE. Besides the map, the app includes stories from the forest, bite sized forest experiences and more.
Get your TreeHugging picture on the World Map of Trees
We have only just started with our map-endeavor but we already have people join in from around the planet – offering us an intriguing and moving glimpse into people’s love for nature. So even though this years contest is over, we would still love to receive YOUR TreeHugging picture for the World Map of Trees!
Here’s how it works:
1. Find your favorite tree, hug it (or have someone hug it for you) and capture the hug in a picture.
2. Record the coordinates of the tree. You can do this for instance with the compass-function of most phones.
3. Describe why you love this particular tree, or tree hugging in general.
4. Register as a member of HaliPuu HERE. This is to reduce spam on our site.
5. Upload your picture, along with its coordinates and the description in the box below (you will need to register as a member to see the box) OR post it on Instagram with both hashtags #TreeHugging2020 and #HaliPuu OR send it to us by e-mail at info(at)halipuu.com
We are eagerly waiting to see how the trees look in your part of the world!
See what our friends have been posting recently!
MichaelPal posted an update 13 hours, 38 minutes ago
Шикарные, редкие автомобили заезжают в наш установочный центр для того чтобы получить дооснащение. Это ЗИЛ из тех самых советских времен. И на этих автомобилях ездили чиновники самого высокого ранга, а теперь эти автомобили прибывают в BGT WorkShop для того чтобы получить более современное дооборудование.
Смотрите, думаю вам понравит…[Read more]
MichaelPal became a registered member 13 hours, 38 minutes ago
Andreicph became a registered member 2 days, 3 hours ago
StripRonee became a registered member 2 days, 15 hours ago
KrovatDam became a registered member 2 days, 20 hours ago
Serguxm became a registered member 3 days, 8 hours ago
Richardchiek became a registered member 3 days, 15 hours ago
Svetlanaihz became a registered member 3 days, 23 hours ago
DeviceCax became a registered member 3 days, 23 hours ago
RichardFok became a registered member 4 days, 1 hour ago
Veronatnn became a registered member 4 days, 9 hours ago
FinnWill became a registered member 5 days, 9 hours ago
DavidAcaph became a registered member 5 days, 23 hours ago
Davidmud became a registered member 1 week ago
PeterFlumS became a registered member 1 week ago
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 1 week, 4 days ago
Online social networking has been our saviour in these troublesome times. But did you know that trees have their own social network that can keep an entire forest connected? It is Mycorrhiza- the fungal association of trees and the internet of the forest! Here’s an article that explains how Mycorrhiza binds the diverse flora in forests along w…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 3 weeks ago
Valentine’s day is almost here ❤️ If you are still looking for something special to your loved one, why not give them a gift that keeps giving: Campfire Barista’s next online coffee course is taking place on Sunday! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/140042792763
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 3 weeks ago
Welcome to the forest Tiina 🌲🤗 Have you been hugging trees recently?
Tiina Olkkonen became a registered member 3 weeks, 1 day ago
Welcome to the forest Tiina 🌲🤗 Have you been hugging trees recently?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 4 weeks, 1 day ago
Hello, dear people! It has been snowing a LOT in our forest, and we have been busy cleaning the campfire place and keeping the paths walkable. While you may wonder how it is to live in such icy surroundings, we have found an answer to an even more burning question: is it ok to eat snow?
https://www.popsci.com/story/science/it-ok-eat-snow/
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 1 month, 1 week ago
Nice to have you in our forest, Carinder 🌲🤗 Do you live close to trees?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 1 month, 1 week ago
Welcome to the forest Wilma 🌲🤗 Have you been hugging trees recently?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 1 month, 1 week ago
Hi Marilyn, welcome to HaliPuu forest 🌲🤗 It is snowy in Lapland, how do your trees look like right now?
carinder became a registered member 1 month, 1 week ago
Nice to have you in our forest, Carinder 🌲🤗 Do you live close to trees?
Wilma Wusel became a registered member 1 month, 1 week ago
Welcome to the forest Wilma 🌲🤗 Have you been hugging trees recently?
Marilyn became a registered member 1 month, 2 weeks ago
Hi Marilyn, welcome to HaliPuu forest 🌲🤗 It is snowy in Lapland, how do your trees look like right now?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 1 month, 3 weeks ago
Hey everybody, it looks like there has been a spammer responding to people’s messages on our site. Sorry about that!!! Your information has not been compromised in any way, but it is really annoying. We try to minimize the spam action on our site but it is very difficult to stop fully. Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have any questions about it!
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 2 months ago
Happy New Year dear people! In this short but beautiful excerpt Elif Shafak uses trees to point our attention to the silent stories surrounding us.
“Listen to what we have to tell,
because hidden inside our story
is the past and the future of…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 1 week ago
Nice to have you in our forest, Charlotte, we would love to see a picture of the trees around you 🤗🎄!
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 1 week ago
Welcome to the forest hXcSonata, what do the wintery trees look like in your part of the world 🤗🎄?
Charlotte became a registered member 2 months, 1 week ago
Nice to have you in our forest, Charlotte, we would love to see a picture of the trees around you 🤗🎄!
hXcSonata became a registered member 2 months, 1 week ago
Welcome to the forest hXcSonata, what do the wintery trees look like in your part of the world 🤗🎄?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to our forest Gwynfor, looking forward to what you share 🤗🎄
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to our forest, Jill 🤗🎄 What do the trees look like in your part of the world?
Gwynfor James became a registered member 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to our forest Gwynfor, looking forward to what you share 🤗🎄
Jill Neimark became a registered member 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to our forest, Jill 🤗🎄 What do the trees look like in your part of the world?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Have you been in the nature today? During our live broadcasts we always talk about the different benefits that trees and forests have on humans, both mentally and physically. Here is an article that links to studies on those benefits, and explains what it is that draws us to the nature…[Read more]
HaliPuu posted a new activity comment 2 months, 2 weeks ago
Hi Greta, welcome to our forest 🤗🎄 Yep, that is a dilemma! What we do at HaliPuu is to take a wild spruce from our forest (one that is growing in an unfavorable place) and after Christmas recycle it by bringing it to the local stables for fence making 😀 Very sustainable!
Greta posted an update 2 months, 3 weeks ago
What about Christmas trees?
Christmas is coming, and with it a crucial question: is a real tree more sustainable than a fake tree?
With sustainability being more and more important it is a legitimate question. There are different studies about this topic but the fact is, it really depends on your attitude.
When it comes to the artificial option,…[Read more]
Hi Greta, welcome to our forest 🤗🎄 Yep, that is a dilemma! What we do at HaliPuu is to take a wild spruce from our forest (one that is growing in an unfavorable place) and after Christmas recycle it by bringing it to the local stables for fence making 😀 Very sustainable!
Greta changed their profile picture 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Greta became a registered member 2 months, 3 weeks ago
M. Ait Ali changed their profile picture 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Lovely to have you in our forest Celeste 🤗 What do the trees look like in your part of the world 🌲🌳🌴
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Welcome to the forest M. Ait Ali! Looking forward to what you share 🌲🤗
Celeste became a registered member 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Lovely to have you in our forest Celeste 🤗 What do the trees look like in your part of the world 🌲🌳🌴
M. Ait Ali became a registered member 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Welcome to the forest M. Ait Ali! Looking forward to what you share 🌲🤗
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink commented on Christopher Cochrane‘s photo 2 months, 3 weeks ago
These are such gorgeous trees, and the light is beautiful too!
Christopher Cochrane changed their profile picture 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Christopher Cochrane posted an update 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Christopher is currently stationed in California in the US Navy. These are some sequoias in the Sequoia National Park when we went to visit him this summer.
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Hello Christopher and Sarah 🙂 Welcome to our forest, so nice to have you here! Perhaps you would like to share a picture from a tree from your part of the world? 🌲🌳🌴
Christopher Cochrane became a registered member 2 months, 3 weeks ago
Hello Christopher and Sarah 🙂 Welcome to our forest, so nice to have you here! Perhaps you would like to share a picture from a tree from your part of the world? 🌲🌳🌴
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh dear, what happened to it?
Jarde Helsinki posted an update 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Our pine – missing a branch
Oh dear, what happened to it?
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to our forest, Jarde, looking forward to your tree hugging pictures 🤗🌲
Jarde Helsinki became a registered member 3 months, 2 weeks ago
Welcome to our forest, Jarde, looking forward to your tree hugging pictures 🤗🌲
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 3 months, 3 weeks ago
There are so many benefits to being close to trees that it is pretty incredible. This Forbes article highlights a few of them and gives links to scientific research – tree hugging is not just for hippies, you see! Did you know, for instance, that the phytoncides emitted by trees decrease the levels of cortisol (or the stress hormone) in your…[Read more]
Igor Filipenko posted a new activity comment 4 months ago
Good afternoon! What did you want
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 4 months, 2 weeks ago
This is cool! On this map you find some historic tree graffiti, including the so called ‘witch marks’ carved into England’s trees. The markings tell about how people used the area hundreds of years ago – to mark trees for logging, protection etc.
Picture © New Forest NPA
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 4 months, 3 weeks ago
We have had a gorgeous autumn here in HaliPuu -forest, with flaming red forest floor (see the blueberry plants in the picture) and golden trees. Alas, all good things must come to an end, and now the deciduous trees are bare, waiting to be covered with a layer of snow. More to the south, however, there is still beautiful fall foliage to be seen.…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 5 months, 2 weeks ago
Yikes! Do NOT hug this tree! Some types of Australian Dendrocnides grow to be 100ft tall and look furry and inviting – but cause a sting that can last for days 😬
So always know what you are hugging… https://www.nytimes.com/2020/09/16/science/australia-stinging-trees-toxins.html
Image: Peter Righteous/Alamy
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 5 months, 3 weeks ago
Another great entry from #TreeHugging2020! Competing with number 2 we had Edmund from Malaysia, who did a clever tripple-hug. Edmund and his wife Sio Sen have been residing in Finland for almost 6 years of which 2 in Levi. They both work in the Hospitality industry in Levi, as the Wine Director and Customer Relation Manager respectively. It was…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 5 months, 4 weeks ago
I have never heard of this tree growing technique, what a shame that it is not possible with our pine trees (on the other hand, we have never tried, so who knows… 🤔)
https://www.boredpanda.com/sustainable-japanese-forestry-daisugi/
(picture credits wrathofgnon)
HaliPuu posted an update 6 months ago
Hooray, we have just published our first Bored Panda -article! Perhaps you can check it out and share, so that it gets a bit of visibility 🙂
https://www.boredpanda.com/we-organized-worlds-first-treehugging-world-championships-please-send-in-your-best-tree-hugging-picture-for-our-world-map-of-trees/
HaliPuu posted an update 6 months ago
We had a great event a week and a half ago, and we owe it all to our great contestants. We want to introduce them to you, and show some of their great hugging styles! First up is Juha. Juha was born in Geraldton, Western Australia, a place known for it’s wind – where trees grow sideways, making hugging difficult. Fortunately since moving to…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months ago
Welcome to the forest Ben, looking forward to your tree hugging pictures!
Ben Lyon became a registered member 6 months ago
Welcome to the forest Ben, looking forward to your tree hugging pictures!
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 6 months ago
Did you see this weeks “Tree of the Week” from The Guardian? It is a big hornbeam in Brockwell Park in London, and it is very important to Tim Mosley (interviewed for the story). If you happen to be somewhere close to it, would be great to get a hugging picture 😊 (This pic is by Tom Fuller)…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months ago
Welcome to our forest Danielle, I wonder how the trees look in your part of the world 😊
Danielle Watson became a registered member 6 months ago
Welcome to our forest Danielle, I wonder how the trees look in your part of the world 😊
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months ago
Welcome to the forest Tim, we would love to see your TreeHug 🌲
Tim Williams became a registered member 6 months ago
Welcome to the forest Tim, we would love to see your TreeHug 🌲
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
This is a wonderful family hug, Markus and Estelle! And a very impressive oak too ❤️ Welcome to our forest 🤗
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
And we have a WINNER 🥇🌎🌍🌏🏆
For a few weeks now we have been searching for the Virtual TreeHugging World Champion 2020, an here she is! The judges loved the deep feeling of joy in this picture, as well as the sincerity. Congratulations Irina, we hope you can come and defend your title live next year in the HaliPuu forest 💞
You can see more of the…[Read more]
Markus and Estelle posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
We are regular tree huggers! This Oak is our family favourite. We feel it’s strength and energy, admire its’ magnificence and the kids can’t resist to play! 48.902905, 2.100238
This is a wonderful family hug, Markus and Estelle! And a very impressive oak too ❤️ Welcome to our forest 🤗
Markus and Estelle became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
Here we go, the time is up and now the judges will do their work (which will be almost impossible with such beautiful, fun touching and creative entries)❣️ Tomorrow at Noon (12) CET we will reveal the winner on our live broadcast at https://www.periscope.tv/HaliPuu_Lapland
You can still keep posting, though, we will add all the pictures on our…[Read more]
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Yep, I have it on the map now 😊 Thank you Irina!
Irina posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
I really, really hope that you can use the coordinates now.
Yep, I have it on the map now 😊 Thank you Irina!
Irina posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Riitta, I checked the coordinates, so you can use these: 28,4649, -16,2483. This amazing tree grows on one island located in the Atlantic Ocean (a Spanish archipelago).
I really, really hope that you can use the coordinates now.
Yep, I have it on the map now 😊 Thank you Irina!
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Timo, welcome to our forest! looking forward to seeing what you share 🌲
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Willow haircuts 😍 They might very well be moving around in the night time! Welcome to our forest Tati!
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
(you can repost if you want, but it is already officially in the contest 🙂
TimoK became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Timo, welcome to our forest! looking forward to seeing what you share 🌲
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Marion, I just messed up your post 😱 So sorry!!! I did manage to place it on our world map of trees in our app (so it is safe there) but it is no longer visible here.
(you can repost if you want, but it is already officially in the contest 🙂
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Oh I would love to get to climb that tree, S 😲 Welcome to our forest, so happy to hear you enjoy it 😊
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Welcome to our forest Jess, looking forward to seeing what you share 😊
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Alena, welcome to our forest! looking forward to seeing what you share 🌲
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
Welcome to our forest Inga, looking forward to seeing what you share 🌲
Riitta Raekallio-Wunderink posted a new activity comment 6 months, 1 week ago
I agree with you full heartedly, Irina❣️ Would you still check the coordinates, I was not sure how to put your beautiful tree on the map 😊
Riitta, I checked the coordinates, so you can use these: 28,4649, -16,2483. This amazing tree grows on one island located in the Atlantic Ocean (a Spanish archipelago).
I really, really hope that you can use the coordinates now.
Yep, I have it on the map now 😊 Thank you Irina!
Tati posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
This is a willow tree from the park where I used to play as a child. I always thought them to be funny hairy living things that can actually move around. Sometimes the park workers would cut the overgrown branches that reached the ground and I thought the willows went to get a haircut)))
48.147991,33.563512
Willow haircuts 😍 They might very well be moving around in the night time! Welcome to our forest Tati!
Tati became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Olena posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
Thanks Riitta! This pine tree is located in Ukraine, Donetsk region Lat N48’57’8,09424″ Lng.E37’43’30,41652″
s posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
One of my favourite trees to hug, climb and rest beneath. -37.8780651 145.0680306
So glad we have a platform to appreciate our oldest and tallest neighbours.
Oh I would love to get to climb that tree, S 😲 Welcome to our forest, so happy to hear you enjoy it 😊
s became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Jess became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Welcome to our forest Jess, looking forward to seeing what you share 😊
Alena became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Alena, welcome to our forest! looking forward to seeing what you share 🌲
Inga became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Welcome to our forest Inga, looking forward to seeing what you share 🌲
Irina posted an update 6 months, 1 week ago
There is no tree so big that it would be impossible to hug. I am absolutely sure of that.
I love hugging trees since childhood. It gives me a feeling of warmth, home, and love. I am hugging this amazing sycamore during my trip to Spain.
Coordinates – 28°27′52″N 16°14′56″O
I agree with you full heartedly, Irina❣️ Would you still check the coordinates, I was not sure how to put your beautiful tree on the map 😊
Riitta, I checked the coordinates, so you can use these: 28,4649, -16,2483. This amazing tree grows on one island located in the Atlantic Ocean (a Spanish archipelago).
I really, really hope that you can use the coordinates now.
Yep, I have it on the map now 😊 Thank you Irina!
Irina became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Marion Arand became a registered member 6 months, 1 week ago
Marion, I just messed up your post 😱 So sorry!!! I did manage to place it on our world map of trees in our app (so it is safe there) but it is no longer visible here.
(you can repost if you want, but it is already officially in the contest 🙂