Flowers have been laid and vigils taken place next to a historic weeping beech tree, after the IW Council announced it is to be removed over safety concerns.

Groups of people have been seen holding vigils next to the tree, located in Newport’s Church Litten, morning the imminent loss of the tree.

The 120-year-old tree has been deemed structurally unsafe. In September 2024, during a storm, the tree lost a major crown limb, exposing decay in its main stem.

Now, following an internal inspection by a qualified arboriculture consultant, the council was advised that the tree has extensive internal decay and needs to be removed before further failure occurs.

Newport councillor, Julie Jones-Evans, said: “The weeping beech is a much-loved part of Newport, and we understand that local residents will be shocked and disappointed to hear of its removal.

“Therefore we are doing all we can to preserve its genetic code, working with Ventnor Botanic Gardens, by taking cuttings and grafting them onto understock. The intention is for any successful grafted plants to be made available for planting in Newport in the future.”

Cuttings will be taken by Ventnor Botanic Gardens over the next few weeks. A digital memorial of the tree will also be created to collect people’s stories and memories of the tree. Islanders are being asked to send their memories and photos to regeneration@iow.gov.uk.

Ventnor Botanic Gardens has sourced a specimen replacement weeping beech tree, supported by the IW Council, with government Shared Prosperity funding. This new tree will be located in the same position as the original tree. Further information will be provided when a programme of works has been confirmed.

The Shaping Newport group plans to arrange a community gathering to acknowledge the departure of the old tree and welcome the new one.