WHEN we lived in Elmsdale, Abbey Road, we knew the danger to the century-old chestnut tree.

We and other friends loved that tree, its early buds, its candles in May, its conkers and autumn leaves. We used to say that if anyone threatened that tree, we would chain ourselves to the trunk.

The wonderful tree was growing in a kink of Abbey Road – a safe place – but one that could not be tolerated now.

Growing where it did we knew that its non-conformist situation would lead to its demise.

It is no surprise that people have found a spurious excuse to have it ‘unexpectedly’ felled this February.

As trees mature, it is part of their natural ageing to host fungi that live in them and create hollows. These are part of our ecology – Abbey Road’s tawny owls need somewhere to live.

Every mature tree is home to a variety of fungi: this is natural, but useful for those seeking an excuse to fell them.

The lovely tree shaded the unusual horse trough, whose renovation could have served as memorial to Dr Wilson.

The site is said to be ‘relandscaped’. The sincere action would be to replace the tree. Yet your report closes by quoting Cllr John Smith: "Once it has been removed, the area will be paved".

Cllr Smith and the county council are legally required to show regard for biodiversity in all their actions. This action is distressing many of us who loved this tree, and shows no regard for biodiversity.

Harry Bradbear

Monmouth