Malicious damage of a protected mature oak tree has meant that it needs to be cut down.
The mature oak, which is located at Lampton Close in Wool, has been permanently damaged by what looks to be an electric chainsaw. There are deep cuts to the trunk and several drill holes too.
The tree, which is estimated to be at least 180 years old has been severely damaged, is close to properties, a footpath and the highway and is no longer deemed safe. It will have to be cut down. Any replacement will take many decades to make up the loss of this important feature, which as a species supports more life than any other native tree species in the UK (source Woodland Trust).
This tree was protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). TPOs ban the cutting down, uprooting, topping, lopping, wilful damage or wilful destruction of trees without the local authority’s consent. It is a criminal offence and the penalty for carrying out works to TPO trees without consent can result in fines of up to £20,000. Unlimited fines can be handed down in the Crown Court, in the event of serious breaches.
Investigations into the two counts of suspected malicious damage to this protected oak firstly on/or before the 8 August 2023 and again on the evening of the 26 August 2023 are ongoing. The council is appealing for information about this. If you have any information about the damage to this mature oak tree email treeteameast@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or call 01929 557344 quoting enforcement reference: EN/2023/00354.
Follow the money! Cui bono? (Who benefits from this appalling act of vandalism?) There must be very few people who would want this tree gone, and even fewer with a chainsaw. Somebody who lives very close. I really hope you catch him and prosecute.
Terrible, vandalising this tree. I hope whoever did this is caught & prosecuted!
Every veteran tree counts. Oaks sustain a wealth of wild life.
Vandalism of a beautiful mature tree is a travesty . Look locally at neighbours for the likely culprit.
There are several oaks like it in the lane where I live and I am always on the lookout for the ‘ Cut it down’ brigade. IGNORANT RESIDENTS more worried about leaves, loss of light etc. If you do not appreciate trees don’t buy property near them.