Published: Tuesday, 8th October 2024

It is with great sadness that Warwick District Council will be removing a prominent and much-loved cedar from Jephson Gardens in the coming weeks.

The tree, which is located close to the Parade entrance and Hitchman Fountain is a further victim of honey fungus, the cause of the decline of a number of the park’s veteran trees.

Despite the efforts of the Council’s Green Spaces team to nurture the tree to prolong its life, the effects of climate change have accelerated the spread of the disease, and it now needs to be felled.

Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood commented: “We know the tree will be missed by local people. Nevertheless, as custodians of the district’s parks and open spaces the Council has the responsibility to ensure the safety of the community, which given its location in a high footfall area close to the Parade will require its removal.

"I am grateful to the Green Spaces team and colleagues from Warwickshire County Council for the work they do to preserve and maintain our wonderful collection of mature trees, which are such an asset to our town.”

The cedar will be felled during the week beginning 14 October. There are plans for a replacement tree to be planted later this year.

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