Majestic Formby Tree Turned Into Artwork

14th February 2019

Controversial tree felling in Formby’s Chapel Lane was supposed to result in stump removal.

This was previously stated by the council…

Q. What will happen to the tree stumps once the trees are removed?

The tree stumps will be removed, and footpath repaired. The stump will be removed as a second operation once the felling has taken place. A stump grinder will grind the woody tissue to below ground level to allow the surface to be repaired and made safe.

https://mysefton.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Info-for-Web-site-1..pdf

Residents in Formby previously felt betrayed by Sefton Council, after discovering the tree felling plans. Hundreds of locals fought last year to save their beloved village trees.

Above: Protesters in January 2018.

However, members of the public have this week been left rather mystified by strange workings on one partially-living horse chestnut trunk.

Above: is it a duck, a chicken or a dragon? In fact, we believe this work is designed to represent the dragon’s head on a Viking longboat, due to Formby’s ancient Norse heritage.

https://pat-regan.blogspot.com/2016/02/viking-way-southport-author-pat-regan.html

One elderly lady stated. “I think it’s cruel and tragic as that was a lovely old tree full of character and it’s still partly alive. It’s like skinning a live rabbit.”

Another local said: “The tree was still alive and if left it would have sprouted new grown but this latest work will kill it off.”

Other shoppers were left wondering what the strange carving actually was?

Are you happy to see a majestic tree turned into contemporary art or…? One thing’s for sure, this skilfully-executed sculpture has certainly got tongues wagging in the village.

Pat Regan ©

http://pat-regan.blogspot.com/ 

More…

https://www.otsnews.co.uk/orse-chestnut-trees-chopped-formby-village-parish-councillor-says-simply-act-public-vandalism/

https://www.otsnews.co.uk/protest-save-formbys-mature-village-trees/

https://www.otsnews.co.uk/formby-chapel-lane-trees-update/