Copper Beech Tree

Castle copper beech to be felled

Sadly it's been confirmed that the iconic copper beech in front of Framlingham Castle will have to be felled. The Town Council initially opposed the felling, hoping that the tree could be fenced and allowed to die naturally but examination has confirmed that damage from fungal infection has progressed too far and the tree now represents a major safety concern. Permission has now been granted by the District Council.

Below is a statement from English Heritage outlining the reasons for their applying to be permitted to fell the tree:

We are sad to inform you that we will be felling one of the mature Copper Beech Trees overhanging the moat walk and meadow at Framlingham Castle. This is following the diagnoses of an untreatable fatal fungus: Kretzschmaria Deusta, commonly known as brittle cinder. There is no treatment for this and once it has infected its host it will cause the tree to die.
Whilst at present the tree visually looks healthy the fungus can result in sudden breakage, posing a serious risk to the public, particularly as the tree is in a position where hundreds of people visit everyday.

We have closely monitored the tree for a number of years due to fruiting fungal bodies present and a survey in 2021 showed extensive internal decay in the base of the tree. The new infection combined with the previously noted decay makes the tree a major and immediate safety concern.

We have notified East Suffolk District Council who agreed with our assessment and advised us to begin the process of applying for a permission to remove the tree. Following this, a more detailed inspection was carried out by a qualified consultant who also recommended this course of action.
Our aim as an organisation it to share England's historic sites, objects and stories with millions of people for generations to come. Felling the tree - a living part of that story - is something we do not undertake lightly and wouldn't consider if we weren't certain it was absolutely necessary. As much as we wish to preserve the past, the safety of our visitors, the public and our staff and volunteers has to come first.

We will plant a new sapling on site of the existing site of the tree as our hope is that future generations in the years to come will once again be able to enjoy the view of the castle with the tree in it as we have.
English Heritage.