Recent visitors to Freeman’s Marsh in Hungerford will not need telling that the once majestic ash tree near to what’s known as the Whirly Pool has recently succumbed to ash dieback and has had to be felled.

We caught if with Kate Edwards (one of the Trustees of the Town and Manor, which owns the land) who explained the charity’s responsibilities in this matter, why this felling was necessary and similar felling projects that the charity has had to undertake. Encouragingly, she also reveals that the tree will, even after death, help to nurture new life on the site…

“Anyone who manages land with public access has a duty to protect the public. The Town and Manor charity manages around 400 acres of land around Hungerford, including Hungerford Common and Freeman’s Marsh, on which grow thousands of trees. All trees on this land are precious and are inspected annually by its consultant arboriculturist to ensure they are safe. We manage our land as sustainably as possible and we love trees. However, we do have to fell them when they become unsafe for the public.

“Some of our tree species have already been devastated by disease. The English elm, for example, was pretty much wiped out by Dutch elm disease. Planted in the late nineteenth century,  the avenue of English elms that ran along the road towards Kintbury, across the Common from The Downgate, made a fine feature on entering and leaving the town.

“In 1973, the entire avenue had to be felled due to this disease. Imagine losing that avenue today – however, all around the Common we now enjoy disease-resistant English elms that have been sourced and planted by the Town and Manor.

“The latest affliction to overwhelm our native trees is ash dieback. This invades the tissues of the trees, weakening them until they die and become unsafe. Dead and dying ash trees are often referred to as “widow makers” due to their tendency to become brittle, lose branches and almost explode when finally felled.

“All trees are special: but some are iconic like the old ash tree (above, left) recently felled at the Ash (or Whirly) Pool on Freeman’s Marsh. The tree was in the final stages of dieback and had to be felled for public safety. This tree had been used by generations to add to the fun of paddling and picnics by this part of the River Dun. The emotion, upset, understanding, anger and reflection that has been shared by Hungerford residents on social media, highlights the significance of such a loss.

“As soon as disease-resistant ash trees become available, one will be planted in its place.

“In the meantime, we can continue to value and appreciate the original ash tree in its new incarnation. The branches have been used to create a habitat heap nearby (above, bottom right), whilst the main trunk of the tree is staying onsite as a natural sitting feature (above, top right), secured with chestnut stakes to be enjoyed for generations to come.”