The much-loved Fairy Tree at St Helens Duver could be fenced off, pushed over or have its remaining trunk turned into a carving, as the National Trust considers how best to deal with the deteriorating landmark following an emotional discussion with local villagers.
A number of possible options were raised during a meeting of St Helens Parish Council on Monday (9th November), after the National Trust announced that the tree would need to be removed over public safety concerns.
Mike Greenslade, General Manager of the National Trust on the Isle of Wight, attended the meeting to explain why the charity believes the tree is now at imminent risk of falling.
The dead oak, which is believed to have died in around 2007, has become a treasured feature of St Helens Duver, with residents and visitors leaving messages, decorations and tributes that have earned it the name Fairy Tree.
However, a recent safety inspection identified serious deterioration, with the tree’s roots having rotted away.
Mr Greenslade told those attending:
“I’m aware there is an oak tree which died I think in 2007…over that time it’s gathered a symbolic position in the community heart which we’re here to discuss this evening.
“The same ranger has been looking at this tree for about 20 years. This year, he discovered that the roots themselves have rotted away.
Article continues below this advertisement “Obviously, we have a duty of care to the public and a liability to then take the appropriate action as we do with hundreds of trees across the Island every year.”
The National Trust had previously attached a notice to the tree warning that it was no longer safe and would need to be taken down.
However, Monday’s meeting saw a range of alternative suggestions put forward, including fencing off the tree, retaining part of its trunk for possible carvings, deliberately pushing it over before it falls naturally or planting replacement trees.
The importance of the landmark to local children was highlighted by Councillor Charity Garnett, who explained that the Fairy Tree had been a particularly popular choice when pupils were asked about landmarks for a community mural.
Cllr Garnett said:
“We know this tree means a lot to a lot of local children. When we went to the primary school to talk about our community mural, the top landmark they wanted included was the Fairy Tree.”
She recalled how one youngster had described it as the “magicalest tree I’ve ever seen”.
She added:
“Making sure we do something that honours how they feel is important.”
Members of the public also suggested ways in which children could be involved in marking the tree’s future, including writing poems or making an occasion of deliberately pushing it over.
One attendee suggested that allowing the fallen tree to remain could provide an opportunity to teach children about how dead wood supports other forms of life.
However, concerns were also raised about the environmental impact of decorations and other items left around the tree.
The National Trust had previously announced plans to remove tributes containing plastics and other artificial materials, warning that they could harm wildlife and spoil the surrounding natural environment.
During the meeting, one woman expressed frustration at the amount of rubbish being left behind for other visitors to collect.
“It’s the walkers that clear up that plastic – people leave it and the rest of us are there clearing up.
“Everyday we’re picking up bits and pieces around the Duver that blow from there.”
Despite the safety concerns, Mr Greenslade made clear that the National Trust would consider the suggestions raised by residents before reporting back to the parish council.
He stressed that he had not attended the meeting intending to leave with a “done deal”.
The charity will now take away the various proposals for further discussion, although the tree’s deteriorating condition means public safety remains a key consideration.
No final decision on which option will be pursued, or when any work might take place, was announced at the meeting.
