‘Dangerous’ landmark tree saved from axe
ABELOVED tree towering over a popular beach has been saved from the axe – even though experts warn it could fall on to holidaymakers at any time.
The huge 100ft Monterey cypress has grown since it was planted as a sapling more than 70 years ago on a rocky outcrop overlooking the picturesque beach in a seaside village.
And it has a sentimental story behind it – a 90-year-old woman in a nearby village says her grandmother used it as a Christmas tree during the Second World War and then planted it on the rock.
But the huge native Californian tree is now a safety hazard at the seafront at Saundersfoot, in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
National Park officials said the tree is unsafe and recommended it should be chopped down.
But villagers refused to allow the cypress to be felled because it is a loved landmark.
National Park Authority tree and landscape officer Mike Higgins advised it should be axed despite having preservation protection.
Mr Higgins said it was rooted on a very small area – and has several significant roots exposed. In his report he said: “It will continue to grow and soil will continue to erode and the tree will become unstable.”
The report added that “removal would be acceptable in terms of health and safety”.
No-one knows who owns the land that the tree stands on – but neighbours in nearby seafront flats fear the worst.
Worried neighbour Charles Hopkinson, managing agent of the nearby flats, commissioned the safety survey on the tree over fears for the safety of residents.
Mr Hopkinson, of Beach Court
ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
Saundersfoot Management Company Ltd, said a specialist tree surgeon calculated that the tree would fall within the next 10 years.
He said: “We have had problems with branches falling. We are worried for public safety. People tend to congregate around the rock.
“We approached a tree specialist, who said it was likely to come down in the next 10 years. It is a landmark but it would kill somebody.”
But Saundersfoot Community Council blocked the bid to fell the tree after a flood of protests to save it.
In its report, the community council said: “The council felt very strongly about the felling of this fantastic tree. It is an enhancement to the village and a part of our history.”
Locals have now welcomed the decision to save the tree.
Villager Carol Peett said: “Thank goodness sense has prevailed. They seem intent on cutting down every tree they can. It’s criminal.”