A seven-year battle to save the iconic Umbrella Tree in East Cowes has reached a major milestone, much to the joy of the town’s residents.
The fencing that has been in place for more than ten months, was removed by the council on Friday, after strapping supporting the branches was fitted.
Background
The Umbrella Tree was planted more than 100 years ago by Queen Victoria’s roads manager, the Great Grandfather of East Cowes local Chris Gutteridge.
Along with Bev Webster, Chris spearheaded a campaign to save the tree, when in 2018, the Isle of Wight council said they would be removing it and planting a 3ft Birch tree in its place, after it was identified as suffering from internal decay.
Bev Webster and Chris Gutteridge from Friends of the Umbrella Tree told News OnTheWight,
“We are sure that Chris’s Great Grandad will be looking down from above with a smile on his face to see the tree which he planted for Queen Victoria is still standing and looking good unlike the one he planted for her in Cowes.
“This time Queen Victoria would be amused!
“Let’s hope it remains here as the heart of the town for many many more years.”
Love: Threatened to remove fencing
Thanks to Councillor Karl Love for sharing his photos of the tree on Friday, before the fencing was removed and Saturday, after it had been removed. He told News OnTheWight,
“Finally, after ten months of captivity the Umbrella Tree has been set free, after a wonderful effort by the Friends of the Umbrella Tree and East Cowes Community Partnership, working together to raise funds and sort out the many technical issues.
“Only last week I wrote Isle of Wight council threatening to remove the fencing if they didn’t do something.”
The long-running campaign to save the Umbrella Tree has in the past attracted support from the likes of wildlife presenter and campaigner, Chris Packham, Judi Dench and even Clarence House.
