Residents in the coastal village of Hythe, Hampshire, have expressed outrage after their parish council ordered the felling of a beloved Scots Pine tree that stood in a seafront park for years. The tree was not only a cherished local landmark but also featured prominently in the logos of the local football club and the parish council itself.
Comparison to Sycamore Gap
One furious resident, Garry Brown, 74, compared the incident to the infamous Sycamore Gap tree felling, where two men illegally cut down the famous tree on Hadrian's Wall in 2023. Brown 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."
Council's Decision
Hythe and Dibden Council ordered the felling due to a "permanent decline" reported after an inspection in March. A qualified New Forest District Council Corporate Tree Officer inspected the tree, and the council sought planning consent before proceeding. The tree was cut down, leaving a six-foot stump. The council plans to replace it with "salt tolerant, flood tolerant, wind resistant Ulmus" as part of a "New Horizon" project.
Parish councillor Mark Clark acknowledged the sadness of the decision: "It's always really sad that things don't last. It's a symbol of the council - it's on our logo - and we want to put something new in. The tree was in permanent decline, so for the safety of the community there was no option but to remove it." He added that the remaining parts of the tree will be turned into a memorial sculpture, with some pieces donated to Hythe Shed.
Residents' Reactions
Other residents shared their grief. Tony Elliott, 80, said: "I'm sorry the tree has gone - it provided a welcome break in a rather plain horizon." Angela Tyrrell recalled: "During Covid my family and I gathered under this legend when it was my birthday because we couldn't be at home together."
Another Hythe councillor, Alex Wade, commented: "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."
The Mirror has reached out to Hythe and Dibden Parish Council for further comment.
