Skip to content

Storm Boelo topples 166-year-old landmark tree

Rosie BurgessBristol
BBC A huge copper beech tree on its side in Victoria Park, Clifton. The weather looks dark and cloudy and trees are being buffeted by wind in the background.BBC
The tree had started producing smaller and fewer leaves, a visible sign of poor health

A landmark tree that had stood for 166 years was toppled in Storm Boelo.

The tree had been due to be felled by Bristol City Council - a decision made a week ago because its roots were infected by a fungus.

The copper beech on Victoria Square, in Clifton Village, was one of several that were planted when the park was first built in about 1860.

"We're all quite upset," said Tristan de Vieuxpont, who lives nearby. "It's one of the big veteran trees in the park. We live just across the road and can see it from the window."

De Vieuxpont added: "It is awe-inspiring and it's ripped up the wall and taken some of the pavement with it - just an enormous beast really."

More from Bristol

According to the Bristol Tree Forum, it was the last survivor of the first set planted along the park's diagonal path.

The council had initially planned to chop the tree down in 2017 after its roots were found to be suffering from an invasion of the Meripilus giganteus fungus.

In response, a campaign was started by local residents to save the tree.

They asked the council to monitor the tree closely rather than cut it down.

However, frequent assessments carried out on the tree by external consultants since 2017 had shown a decline in its stability.

A huge chunk of upended earth can be seen at the bottom of the tree which lies on its side in a rain-soaked park.
The tree lifted up a large chunk of ground as it fell

Last week the council issued an official felling notice, also posted on Bristol Tree Forum, which stated: "We need to remove the tree as it will become more unsafe for the public over time.

"This copper beech tree has been an important feature of Victoria Square for many years.

"We understand removing it will be disappointing to many people."

However, at midday on Sunday it was blown over by strong winds instead.

The notice said that the council would consider opportunities for replacement planting as part of the ongoing management of the park.

The South West experienced severe weather from storms Austen and Boelo over the past few days, disrupting power supplies and forcing road closures.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.