07 October 2023 , 16:43
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Residents are furious after the council ordered the felling of an "ancient" tree thought to be 800-years-old.
The Lebanon cedar tree in Rye, East Sussex, was cut into pieces too small to be made into a memorial carving or bench, as initially hoped by residents and agreed by Rother District Council. Now, all that remains in Rye Cemetery is the tree stump and those who live near the facility are outraged.
Tony Edwards, who resides in the community, said: “The problem is they didn’t think it was important enough to inform us before the event. Nothing more, nothing less, it’s not a building that can be replaced, it’s a tree that took many years to grow and can’t be replaced so no amount of protesting, reports or kicking political footballs about are going to change that."
Noj Refarc said: "I think it’s a big disaster for anyone locally to see that tree go." Ann-Marie Sadler, another resident, added: "I couldn't bear the thought of walking past the stump where a beautiful tree once stood. These things have a huge impact on our community in very personal ways."
Brighton Argus reports, Sally Bayly said: "This is indeed a shameful chain of events which shows a complete lack of concern, understanding and empathy as regards to the feelings of local people."
Three theories behind what could have made historic Sycamore Gap tree fall
However, Rother District Council said the tree had "decaying roots" and was cut for safety reasons. A council spokeswoman said: "The cedar tree in Rye Cemetery was surveyed by specialists and was found to have decaying roots. Safety concerns meant that, sadly, the tree had to be felled as a priority.
"A local district councillor made a direct request to the contractor carrying out the work to retain some of the timber for a community project. We have since offered timber retained by the district council to that councillor. We are happy to support local councillors and the community in discussions about the most appropriate use of the timber for a memorial."
A fence has been erected around the Sycamore Gap after it was chopped down (Newcastle Chronicle)A Rye Town Council spokesperson said: "The council recognises that the recent felling of a landmark cedar tree in Rye Cemetery has caused some parishioners considerable distress. The Cemetery is owned and managed by Rother District Council. The tree was located outside the Rye Parish boundary, in Rye Foreign.
"Having considered the evidence of decay – and the expert’s prognosis – contained within the tree survey report commissioned by Rother District Council, neither Rye Foreign Parish Council, nor Rye Town Council, had cause to question the report’s conclusion that the cedar was nearing the end of its life and presented a risk to both people and property.
"However, in hindsight the Town Council considers that it would have been appropriate for the situation to have been explained to the public, prior to Rother District Council implementing its decision to fell the cedar, grind out the stump and plant a replacement tree that is suitable for the location."
The destruction mirrors the felling of an ancient yew tree which witnessed the Battle of Hastings in nearby Battle, East Sussex. Paul Lawrence, a qualified tree surgeon and arboriculturalist from the area, was particularly saddened as he had sprinkled his dad's ashes by the tree.
It was reportedly chopped last week, following the "deliberate attack" of Sycamore Gap, which stood proudly beside Hadrian's Wall near Hexham, Northumberland. Police have since arrested and bailed a local former lumberjack and a 16-year-old boy on suspicion of criminal damage.
Crime specialists sent to the scene by Historic England have been analysing the site, with early signs of "minor damage" caused to the wall - a 73-mile Roman construction which once marked the then-border between England and Scotland. The investigation is in its early stages, the heritage group told The Times, and would continue.