The tree has surpassed the lifespan of most beeches, but two types of fungus have set in which mean the tree is no longer safe to remain standing. Following approval by Cambridge City Council, work will be carried out between 6 and 10 January 2025 to remove it safely down to the stump. This will necessitate closing the College’s back gate on Queens Road, its bridge and the River Cam between the border of King’s and Queens’ Colleges and the back lawn of King’s. The closure is essential for the arborists to complete the work without risk to river users and pedestrians. Useable wood from the tree will be taken off site, seasoned and assessed for future use.
Domus Bursar Polly Ingham commented “We have been incredibly fortunate to keep the beech tree as long as we have. Its safe removal is a complex operation that involves many stakeholders and we are working closely with Cam Conservators and others affected. We know the work will have an impact the wider community and aim to minimise the disruption as much as possible.”
The tree is estimated to be around 180 years old and planted following the completion of the current bridge in 1818. Beech trees rarely live beyond 100 years in East Anglia due to climatic conditions but proximity to the river is the main factor its survival.
Head Gardener Steve Coghill said: “As a College, and indeed, personally, as Head Gardener, the loss of such an iconic tree is a great sadness. We have done all we could to keep the tree alive and safe since a damaging butt rot decay fungus was identified in 2016 during a routine survey. Kretzschmaria deusta is a very serious decay fungi for beech trees, and usually spells the end for the unfortunate host. We called in Dr Frank Rinn, a renowned tree decay specialist, and working with him we have managed to retain the tree until now.
However, after a major limb failure, despite regular health checks, and after a series of prolonged droughts, the tree is now failing. The leaf canopy has thinned dangerously, and significant deadwood can be seen in the crown. Another serious decay fungi, Ganoderma adspersum has become established at the butt of the tree and the risk of falling limbs as the tree retrenches has become a threat to visitors to the college, to the bridge, and river users that we cannot ignore. All good things, sadly, must come to an end.”
