Felled Tree Finds New Purpose as Benches Loved by Locals

By Community Correspondent

Three new benches in Exeter city centre – made from a tree that had to be felled – are fast becoming a popular spot to stop and while away the hours.

The benches in Dix’s Field, outside the Civic Centre, were shaped from timber from the tall Wellingtonia tree that had to be cut down because it had sadly died.

The tree had been in advanced decline for some time, and all of its foliage had died off. Unfortunately, it had no chance of recovering.

When the tree was taken down, Devon Tree Services – who carried out the work on behalf of the City Council – made three benches around the 2.5m stump as a lasting memorial to the tree. The stump may be carved at a later date as a feature.

Already, the benches are starting to be used by people visiting the city centre, as well as workers on their lunch breaks.

There will also be some replanting, with five Japanese Sakura cherry trees during next winter’s planting window. These trees come from the Sakura Cherry Project, which has seen 10,000 trees planted across UK parks and gardens in celebration of Japan’s relationship with the UK.

Throughout Japan, the cherry, or ‘Sakura’, represents good fortune, new beginnings, and revival.

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