An iconic tree in the gardens of The Dartington Hall Trust estate has been removed due to decay.
The large turkey oak near the White Hart and Space Studios, widely known for the stunning crocus circle that flowers around it in the spring, became severely decayed due to honey fungus, which attacks the roots of woody and perennial plants.
Extensive efforts over the years to curtail the effects of the fungus have met with temporary success, but the spread of the disease throughout the main trunk and roots has contributed to irreversible decline.
With the tree now constituting a significant risk to visitors and nearby buildings, the Dartington Gardens team took the reluctant decision to remove it.
Estate Manager John Channon said: “We are aware this is a much-loved tree which means a lot to many of those who have spent time at Dartington, and the decision to remove it has not been taken lightly.
“However, after expert advice, we have established that the tree’s decline is irreversible regardless of any further steps we might take. Considering the risk to the general public, we feel sure that removing the turkey oak was the right thing to do.”
The garden is home to one other turkey oak which was planted nearby in February 1988, and work is already underway on developing a new crocus circle around its base.
The wood of the felled oak will be assessed to see how much, if any, is usable for woodworking or other purposes. All suggestions from the public are being considered and more information will be posted on this website when available.
If you have any pictures of this special tree and/or the crocus circle beneath it, we’d love to see them and to share them with others on this website – just email them to info@dartington.org.
Below: the moment the oak was felled by tree surgeons at Dartington. Audible are local schoolchildren singing Christmas carols – the coincidental result of a festive service finishing in the nearby Great Hall.
