Lonely Tree lost in storm
UPDATE: Hope Yet for Lonely Tree…
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Though we seem to have missed the worst of this week’s storms compared with the rest of the country, suffering some building damage and a 20-hour blackout, our local landmark, the Lonely Tree has not fared so well.
With winds reaching storm-force and above, Llanfyllin took a battering on Wednesday 12th February 2014, leaving the iconic Scots Pine uprooted and broken. It’s doubtful whether this familiar feature, cherished by locals and visitors alike, can be saved.
The Lonely Tree on Greenhall Hill has stood for at least 150 years and probably longer than that as it’s marked as a mature tree on the 1872 ordnance survey map of Llanfyllin.
Touching stories
The BBC site had an entry on the tree a few years back, along with some heartfelt comments from people with happy memories of Lonely Tree. After the BBC site restructure the page is no longer visible, but luckily Google’s Wayback Machine has a cached version you can still read…
If you have any memories about the lonely tree, or any suggestions as to what can be done – please feel free to add your comments below…
Lonely Tree in Summer 2013
If you have any further information on this topic please contact us or use the comment section below.
February 16, 2014 at 11:40 pm -
Could the lonely tree be propped back up with a scaffold support? If not then use the wood to make a bench on the same spot as the tree stood. Any spare wood could be used for sculptures that could be displayed in the church, school and any other public building within Llanfyllin.
I remember running up to the lonely tree for our school cross country run. We were told by our PE teacher that we must kiss and hug the tree when we reached it as it was a folklore tradition to bring luck. Later I heard kissing the lonely tree was thought to be good for fertility!
February 17, 2014 at 2:06 pm -
I was told when I first moved here that local folklore said if you wanted to stay in the town, then a walk to the Lonely Tree was vital; it has become a favourite local walk for us and lots of our visitors. Devastated when I heard the news, I’m heartened to read the update that it still might be saved.
Keeping everything crossed xx
February 17, 2014 at 5:49 pm -
Like everyone I’ve loved this tree over the years. However, I guess seeing its successor bloom and develop will be something to delight Llanfyllinites for the coming centuries. I’ll try and be there with a shovel when the planting committee gives the go signal 😉
February 17, 2014 at 8:57 pm -
Such a shame, awful. When I drive past, when I look out of my kitchen window it is bare, A heritage for our town has been lost. Has it? Can it be saved? I will help! Could we plant something else? Have a town vote for something new and fitting? A sculpture by local artists, a wooden or metal replica where the sun shines through intricate branches and casts similar shapes and shadows?
February 18, 2014 at 2:30 pm -
Although I now live in Telford, my Mum and other members of the family still live in Llanfyllin and I visit on a regular basis. I have fond memories of my Twin brother Ian and I walking to the Lonely Tree for picnics. Our children have also enjoyed their walks to the tree. It’s a great shame if my grandchildren don’t get the same opportunity. I hope that something can be done to save it and if not another one is planted for future generations to enjoy. I’m willing to get involved with any fundraising and my band a trio of myself, twin brother Ian and our mate John Hughes would gladly offer our services. Just hope something can be done to save this iconic tree.
March 1, 2014 at 7:24 pm -
We have just had The Guardian at the tree yesterday with reporter John Vidal doing a piece, hopefully next week. 3rd-8th March 2014. Keep a look out for it.
March 1, 2014 at 7:30 pm -
Operation Lonely tree gets in to action http://www.flickr.com/photos/14919622@N02/sets/72157641370150143/
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