Fencing off, removing or pushing it over the much-loved Fairy Tree at St Helens Duver were among the proposals floated at an Isle of Wight public meeting on Monday (9th November 2026).
Isle of Wight National Trust general manager Mike Greenslade told villagers at St Helens Parish Council the landmark tree is “very unstable” and at “imminent risk” of falling over.
His visit came after a notice was attached to the tree stating it must be taken down for public safety.
A duty of care
Mr Greenslade said,
“I’m aware there is an oak tree which died I think in 2007…over that time it’s gathered a symbolic position in the community heart which we’re here to discuss this evening.
“The same ranger has been looking at this tree for about 20 years. This year, he discovered that the roots themselves have rotted away.
“Obviously, we have a duty of care to the public and a liability to then take the appropriate action as we do with hundreds of trees across the Island every year.”
Options on the table
Options put forward for consideration include leaving the trunk with possible carvings, felling it, pushing over before it falls and planting other trees.
Garnett: The magicalest tree
St Helens Parish Councillor, Charity Garnett, said,
“We know this tree means a lot to a lot of local children. When we went to the primary school to talk about our community mural, the top landmark they wanted included was the Fairy Tree.”
She said one child had described it as the “magicalest tree I’ve ever seen”.
The councillor added,
“Making sure we do something that honours how they feel is important.”
Ideas from villagers
Ideas raised by members of the public included children writing poems about it and making an occasion of pushing the tree over.
One attendee said children could then be taught how it provides life.
Another voiced concern over people leaving items in its vicinity, including plastic waste. The woman said,
“It’s the walkers that clear up that plastic – people leave it and the rest of us are there clearing up.
“Every day we’re picking up bits and pieces around the Duver that blow from there.”
Mr Greenslade said the National Trust would take the ideas away for discussion and then come back to the parish council.
He told attendees he was not intending to walk out of the meeting with a “done deal”.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
