A VETERAN oak in a Wokingham churchyard recently needed attention.
The tree in St Paul’s grounds, beside Reading Road, had lost a large branch, and concern for people’s safety led the church to commission a close inspection.
The tree was found to be widely diseased, and in need of a serious cut back, or even complete felling.
Work to make it safe was carried out during the Christmas holidays, and saw Reading Road closed to traffic over two days.
Arboriculturalists took off all the tree’s major limbs, but were able to avoid leaving just a stump.
The church is pleased that the surgeons were able to leave as much of the tree as they did.
The remaining trunk still has a crown, and some remaining branch bases could sprout new growth this year.
“We are very much hoping the tree will put out new growth in the years to come,” said St Paul’s Church treasurer Lyn Austen.
“We would like to thank the community for their support and interest during the process of reducing the tree’s height.
“We know that a lot of people found it a fascinating piece of work to watch when it was done just after Christmas, and we are massively relieved that the tree no longer poses any danger to passers by and people waiting at the bus stop on Reading Road.”
The work cost St Paul’s £16,670.
A total of £14,000 has been raised already, and the church is very grateful for grants and donations it has received from the Wokingham Society, St Paul’s Junior School, the Free Church Burial Ground, and individuals in the community.
Anyone who would like to donate to the remaining shortfall, can visit the church’s website, following the link at the top of the main page.
For information, or to donate, log on to: www.spauls.org.uk or call the church office on: 0118 979 2122.
