Heritage Lottery bid to investigate Sequoia tree in Peterchurch

Villagers in Peterchurch have expressed concerns that a treasured Sequoia tree at St Peter's Church may be felled because it is affecting a nearby Yew tree.

Resident Keith Taylor contacted the Hereford Times concerned that many trees have been felled in the community recently due to some surveys finding tree diseases.

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A 150-year-old Wellington Sequoia tree, within the grounds, is believed to be depriving the Yew tree of nutrients and is diseased with honey fungus.

The Forestry Commission has been asked to report on how the 'nationally important' yew tree is being affected. 

Mr Taylor says he and other villagers feel they are being kept in the dark about what might happen to the tree.

"What I've been told by other villagers is we're concerned this tree may be felled due to honey fungus affecting the yew. I do hope that it won't be chopped because Sequoia trees are very rare," Mr Taylor said.

Deeply concerned villagers gather near the 150-year-old Sequin tree in St Peter’s Church graveyard. Pictured (from left): Tony Porter, Keith Taylor, Ian McCulloch and his wife Elena. (Image: ROB DAVIES) "I would be upset if the tree was cut down because we need trees."

Plans to potentially fell the tree have been disputed by the vicar at St Peter's Church, Rev Simon Lockett, who has made it clear that there are no plans to cut down the Sequoia.

He explains that the church is putting in a bid for Heritage Lottery funding to maintain the church's spire but is investigating if the Sequoia is affecting the Yew tree's health.

Rev Lockett feels some people are jumping to conclusions because they do not know the full picture of what is going on.

"I have no intention of cutting the Sequoia tree down.

"We are getting the Forestry Commission to report on whether the Sequoia is having any impact on the yew that is 2,000 years and is of national importance," Mr Foskett said.

The potential decision to cut the tree down or not is not a Herefordshire Council decision.

"I would rather we have proper advice from the Forestry Commission on what we should do," Mr Foskett adds.

"If we do have to take measures to protect the yew, we will have a public meeting."