Diseased tree to be recycled at Devizes outdoor education centre

A diseased tree within the grounds of The Braeside Outdoor Education Centre in Devizes, is to be felled and re-used to benefit the centre.

The mature beech, which is next to the main road, has become infected with Kretzschmaria deusta fungus and is beyond saving.

The felled tree will be recycled by placing the woodchip around the grounds, the branches and small limbs will be used in some of its educational sessions and the trunk will be turned into a bench or carving within the grounds. Cabinet member for highways, Dick Tonge, said: "It is very unfortunate this tree has to be felled as it is an attractive example in a prominent area in the town.

"However its fantastic we can re-use it within the centre and we have plans to plant another suitable species in this location."

Tests have shown there is a large central column of decay and extensive degradation of the timber.

Every effort was made to retain the tree and a 20 per cent crown reduction was undertaken in 2007 to reduce the stresses on the tree. Work to remove the tree will start on Wednesday.