The successful campaign to save an ancient tree from being felled: the Crewkerne Lucombe Oak 2009

Video of the saturday 18th April protest about the proposal to fell one of largest Lucombe Oaks in the world - the Henhayes-Crewkerne-Lucombe-Oak . The species was cultivated in 1762 by William Lucombe. The Crewkerne Lucombe Oak is probably about 200 years old based on its trunk diameter. And has the potential to live another 50-100 years and become the largest in Britain and the World - if sympathetically managed.

The tree is undoubtedly in good health. There is no die-back or large deadwood and no history of past failure. The area around the tree is well used but the risk the tree represents could be managed.

The councils insurers were bullying the councillors into taking drastic action and threatening to sue any individual who stands in the way. Thankfully due to more detailed assessment it now appears the tree may be allowed to stay. It all depends on the 'pull test' scheduled for 25.6.09

Contact ben hartshorn of south somerset Green Party at
benhartshorn@yahoo.co.uk for more info :)

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[monketeer]

I hope the oak is still standing because I just emailed the council with this option. Would the protesters be willing to raise the necessary funds to carry this out?

[blackbetty1203]

Still there and looking good! Save the Oak !!!

[blackbetty1203]

Based on 50 people an hour using the target area of this tree I estimate it represents a risk of causing harm of 1 in 7,000 which is essential to action.

I believe that 20-30% crown reduction coupled with bioloigical controls agents to control the diease and soil decompaction and remediation to improve the soil and root growth would save it. It is not too late.

Save the Oak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[luigi19987]

@JERHxART the tree is probably still doomed because a new recreation centre is going to be built on the land next to the day centre if they dig up the ground they will take the roots as well

[JERHxART]

Well done to the Green party..........to save such a beautiful life :))

[TJLR9]

Thank goodness the tree was saved and hopefully it will be standing for another 50 years!! The money was well spent on its continued preservation, rather than all of taxpayers money funding a Sports Club that such a minority of Crewkerne will use. LONG LIVE THE OAK!!!!!

[MrGarion2007]

i cant belive you wasted so much time and money on a tree when there is PEOPLE who need it more!!!!!!!!!1

[shutup69er]

what's that stupid little fence around it going to stop?

[monketeer]

From the recent report the tree can be saved for a few more years yet and it isn't going to fall on anyone precious! Maybe the council just wanted to make way for the new sports pavillion as they seem to have a collected interest in building it?

[mintymoo2009]

ok so what about if it falls on a person, a kid a granny, u or ur family how would u feel then?

[shutup69er]

what about when it falls on the Aqua Center?

[Bunkinalia]

I'd better remove my previous comments now, as the music isn't doom-laden any more. Thanks! I'm sure it helps - keep up the positive vibes and visualising the tree living for at least another century. Picture it through the seasons, being enjoyed by wildlife and people alike. Cheers!