Havant-St Faiths Church House

A yew threatened with felling because pigeon droppings beneath the tree are being trodden into local shops. This is a fine, mature, healthy tree with an erect single stem to about 16′, where it supports a dome shaped canopy. Its crown has been lifted and pruned in the past but this has been expertly done. In the past this tree must have been properly cared for. Today this yew is a fine addition to the street scene, as can be seen in the photographs. An objection to the felling was lodged by the Ancient Yew Group. Most worrying would be the precedent set by allowing a healthy tree to be felled because of pigeon droppings.
May 2007 – the application to fell this yew has been turned down because ‘The tree is a significant feature in the local landscape and appears to be in adequately sound and healthy condition. Its proposed felling would result in undue loss and detriment to the visual amenities of the locality’.