Park cedar tree hit by disease to be felled

Park workers had tried to save the tree which was struck by honey fungus, the council said

A prominent cedar tree in a Warwickshire park is to be felled after being struck by disease, a council has said.

The tree, close to a main entrance and fountain in Jephson Gardens, Leamington Spa, has honey fungus, which had caused the "decline of a number of the park's veteran trees", said Warwick District Council.

The authority was removing the tree with "great sadness", and knew the cedar would be missed, adding that while the green spaces team had nurtured the tree to prolong its life, the effects of climate change had accelerated the disease's spread.

The tree is to be felled on safety grounds next week. There are plans to plant a tree in its place later this year.

“We know the tree will be missed by local people," said councillor Will Roberts, portfolio holder for neighbourhood.

"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."

The cedar is close to the Hitchman Fountain and entrance to the town's Parade, which has shops, cafes and restaurants.

Mr Roberts thanked the park's team and county council for their work in maintaining the mature trees which were "such an asset to our town".

The gardens were laid out in 1831 as riverside walks along the River Leam, then developed into formal gardens after 1846.

The planned felling follows the cutting down of a giant cedar tree as a result of honey fungus in 2022.