VILLAGERS have said farewell to an iconic tree that graced their churchyard for more than 250 years.

Bradford Peverell residents and local wildlife have been enjoying the beech tree outside the local church for centuries but it has now been deemed unsafe and had to come down.

The 25-metre tall tree was taken down in a single day and local residents have expressed their sadness at seeing it go.

PCC member Kips Easton said the tree must has provided a haven for wildlife and had countless local people passing underneath its boughs over the years.

She said: “We can only be thankful that it’s given immense pleasure and strength to many over its long life, and although it will leave a stark gap in our village landscape, at least we have some mature trees near the churchyard to soften the blow.”

Mrs Easton added: “It’s amazing to think what history that tree must have seen over the years.”

The tree was already well established by the time the then new church was built in Bradford Peverell in 1850, having already stood in the yard for nearly 100 years.

The decision to cut the tree down was taken after Dorset County Council’s arboricultural officer Nick Collins inspected it in February and found a level of decay associated with a particular fungi that was ‘significant and extensive’ and rendered the structure of the tree unsafe.

Mr Collins advised that the tree be felled in a controlled manner to avoid damaging any of the surrounding features.

Church warden Jon Desborough said it was a ‘sad day’ to see it all chopped down but accepted there was little choice in the matter.

Cutting down the tree was expected to cost the church around £6,000 and the village has been holding fundraising events to help cover the costs.

Envelopes can also be filled in the church for anyone wanting to make a contribution.

The tree has provided 25 tonnes of wood and Mr Desborough has already been in contacted with people in the local area who are interested in taking some of it.

Anyone else interested is asked to contact him on 01305 266834.

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