A council has sparked outrage after chopping down a beloved tree in a move that has been likened to the felling of the Sycamore Gap tree. Residents in the coastal village of Hythe, Hampshire, are mourning the loss of the Scots Pine, which has stood in the seafront park of a village in a National Park for years. The tree, which even features as the logo of Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, was declared to be in 'permanent decline' in March. The council decided it needed to be felled as a result, leaving just a six-foot stump in its stead.
Residents react with dismay
Contractors arrived early on Thursday to fell the historic tree, which was described as having '90 per cent crown death', in Prospect Place. Some residents have bemoaned the move, complaining it has exposed unattractive buildings and is comparable to the illegal felling of the cultural icon that was the 120-year-old sycamore next to Hadrian's Wall in 2023. Garry Brown, 74, of Prospect Place, said: 'I'm heartbroken. Our view now comprises a couple of silos and a skyscraper. It's a bit like the Sycamore Gap. When a tree comes down it leaves a scar on the landscape.'
One of his neighbours, Tony Elliott, 80, added: 'I'm sorry the tree has gone - it provided a welcome break in a rather plain horizon.' A Hythe resident who did not want to give his name said: 'The tree was there one moment and gone the next, but you could see it was dying.' The Scots Pine occupied an exposed position between Hythe Marina Village and Hythe Pier.
Council defends decision
The authority has said it would be replaced by a salt tolerant, flood tolerant and wind resistant tree. A council spokesperson said: 'The tree was in permanent decline, so for the safety of the community there was no option but to remove it. The tree was inspected by a qualified New Forest District Council Corporate Tree Officer and the council sought planning consent before felling. The remaining parts of the tree will be turned into a memorial sculpture and parts of the tree will be donated to Hythe Shed.'
Hythe councillor Alex Wade said: 'The tree held a special place in all our hearts. Many generations have sat under the tree and shared memories over the decades of this special corner of Hythe. It's sad to see it finally removed, but it is, unfortunately, a necessary decision.' Fellow councillor Mark Clark added: 'It's always really sad that things don't last. Referring to the popularity and importance of the tree, he added: 'It's a symbol of the council - it's on our logo - and we want to put something new in.'
