Van crushed by falling tree near Ellesmere
A van has been crushed by the bough of a huge oak tree that fell at a north Shropshire heritage site.
The tree went down in the car park of Colemere Countryside Heritage site near Ellesmere on Saturday, falling on a white van.
The area is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
A spokesperson for Shropshire Council said: “An otherwise healthy tree shed a bough due to summer branch drop. This a natural phenomenon that occurs after long spells of drought and high temperatures and there is no way of predicting if and when trees will be affected.
“Trees at Shropshire Council-run sites are routinely inspected and appropriate action is taken if any risk is identified.”
Shropshire 'tree hunter' Rob McBride commented on the incident and said: "I really hope no one was hurt. But, was this a dangerous tree? No. It was dangerous planning.
"This could well have been avoided by not having a car park under the tree.
"The tree's roots have been compacted/compromised over many years. This is what can happen.
"Planners/highways need to consult properly qualified veteran tree experts before placing car parks et cetera.
"There is plenty of room at this site, well away from the veteran tree."
Rob is the founder of the not-for-profit organisation Treespect CIC, based in his home town of Ellesmere.
He campaigns for the protection of trees everywhere, but particularly those he says have a story to tell.
