Lebanon cedar tree in Witney churchyard set to be cut down

The tree, a Lebanon cedar, is likely to be about 200 years old and has dropped several large limbs over the last two years in the yard of St Mary’s Church in Witney.

The town council said this has caused damage to Grade II listed tombs and memorials, and poses a threat to those working in the graveyard.

Despite remedial works undertaken by the council’s contractor, the decline of the health of the tree is deemed irreversible.

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Witney Town Council commissioned an assessment of the risks, however the 60ft tree has lost much of its vitality, its crown is thinning, and presents a ‘high risk of further shedding’.

Following bat and other surveys that showed the tree was not being used as a habitat, it has been recommended to remove the tree completely.

The town council hopes as much as the wood as possible can be repurposed with St Mary’s Church hoping to salvage some of it to use for internal and external furniture.

Councillor Owen Collins, chair of the stronger communities committee, said: “The Cedar of Lebanon has been a presence on the Witney skyline for decades, so it’s an enormous shame that it is now both irreversibly unhealthy and thus unsafe.

“However, we’re committed to replacing the cedar, and making good use of the wood, so that after 200 years in Witney, it can live on for many more years yet.”

Once the tree has been removed, the council’s conservation officer has requested that a replacement Lebanon cedar be planted as close as possible to the original.

Meanwhile, there is a possibility of work by professional woodcarvers being installed in The Leys.

Although not a native of the UK, since its introduction in the late 18th century, the tree has become commonplace on large estates, especially in churchyards.