Community given a year to preserve ‘iconic’ tree
NATURE lovers have been given 12 months to save an iconic giant tree on a stunning beach – described as the “Eiffel Tower” of their seaside village.
A row erupted over a health and safety bid to cut down the towering Monterey Cypress 100ft tree standing proudly overlooking the popular seafront.
It was planted as a Christmas tree 83 years ago – and has become an inconic image of seaside rocky outcrop at Saundersfoot in Pembrokeshire National Park. But owners at a nearby apartment complex have called for it to be axed over fears it could fall.
Campaigners called called the tree “an iconic feature” beloved by visitors and villagers for generations.
Saundersfooot community councillor Martyn Willif said: “It is our Eiffel Tower, our Statue of Liberty. And, if it is not dangerous, we will make every effort, I can assure you, to preserve it.”
Pembrokeshire National Park officials had more than 170 objections after recommending the felling.
Objections have now been raised by furious villagers along with the community council.
A Saundersfoot Community Council spokesman said: “The council felt very strongly about the total felling of this fantastic tree. It has been part of the landscape for many, many years and is an enhancement to the village and a part of our history.”
Two letters of objection have also been written by action groups Friends of Saundersfoot and Saundersfoot & District Historical Society.
The historical society committee said it had “been an attractive and much-loved feature of the village for over 80 years.”
Notes held by Saundersfoot and District Historical Society revealed that a man called George Williams planted the tree on Scar Rock on Saundersfoot beach in January 1938. Representatives from The Friends of Saundersfoot and Saundersfoot in Bloom also spoke at the meeting to oppose the felling of the tree, as did a representative from a social media group called Save Saundersfoot’s Lonely Tree, which has about 1,200 members.
Ownership of the tree has not yet been established and the rock it sits on is classed as unregistered land.
But Mr Williams told the meeting that many groups and individuals have come forward wanting to help save the tree, and together they would source the money needed to manage it.
Beach Court Saundersfoot Management Company Ltd is behind the application to remove the tree.
The company manages nearby flats and fears the tree poses a risk to passers-by.
The move has now faced a backlash online from villagers who are calling for the tree to be saved.
One said: “It has survived countless storms, and is local landmark. I object most strongly, leave it alone.
“It seems like health and safety madness yet again.”
Pembrokeshire tree care specialist Adrian Dowling said the tree could last another 40 or 50 years if necessary work were to be carried out on the crown. He disagreed that the root system was at risk of failing and pointed out that “all trees need a little bit of management, especially in such a vulnerable location”.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park’s development management committee agreed there had been a “passionate response” in favour of preserving the tree.
It agreed to give the community 12 months to carry out the safety work – or else it will have to come down.