200 years of growth at an end for cedar (From Worcester News)

200 years of growth at an end for cedar

6:40pm Thursday 1st November 2012 in News By Sarah Taylor

VILLAGERS looked on as a 200-year-old tree was felled for safety reasons.

The 80-foot-high cedar had stood for two centuries in St Peter’s churchyard in Middle Littleton, near Evesham, but a decision was made to chop it down after concerns were raised that damaged limbs may fall and seriously injure someone or damage the church.

Most of the wood from the tree will be sold with the money going towards the cost of felling the giant tree; but some was saved to be used in the church.

Edith Powell, churchwarden, said: “We are going to make wooden bowls and little holding crosses. There will also be a cross made to go on the altar. We have also enough to make a bench when the time comes.”

Many people stopped to watch the impressive tree fall as eight professionals took about 10 hours to bring it to the ground.

Roger Leake, churchwarden, said: “It took the whole day. We were there at 9am and didn’t leave until just before 7pm.

“There was a steady stream of onlookers from across the road all day. The tree didn’t touch one grave and they are clustered all around the tree. There was just one big bough that was already very close to the church that as it was cut it just brushed the tower.

“It was an expert job. Heavy boughs have fallen over the past four or five years. If anyone had been under them they could have been killed. Although it was very sad to lose the tree everyone has understood and it has really opened up the view of the church. It is now possible to photograph it in its entirety.”