An ancient ash tree in Cockermouth does not pose a risk to passers-by, a new survey has found.
The town’s civic trust commissioned the survey, paid for by a donation by Chimney Sheep, for the knobbly tree in Memorial Gardens.
There were concerns that because the tree is hollow and is leaning slightly, it may have to be felled.
However, the survey by Treescapes Consultancy Ltd, found that although it will need monitoring, it is of moderate vitality.
It said, however, that its roots are underneath the park’s path and repeated footfall was damaging them.
It has been recommended that the path be altered to reduce this damage.
Sally Phillips, owner of Chimney Sheep, said: “We donate 20 per cent of our profits to our Community Interest Company Buy Land Plant Trees.
“But it will take many hundreds of years for the trees that we plant now to reach the maturity of the knobbly ash tree.
“These trees are special both for the biodiversity that they support, and their cultural importance.”
The civic trust’s architectural advisor, Darren Ward, said: “The tree has witnessed enormous change over its life.
“The tree can live for another 100 years or more and is likely to witness even bigger changes to the town.
“The knobbly ash doesn’t get as much publicity as other famous Cockermouthians but it’s been around longer than all of them put together and is just as important as any of the architectural gems the town has.”
The tree will be inspected annually to check on its health and safety to the public.
