Ludlow oak wars

It is also unclear if the instruction to fell the tree came from Shropshire Wildlife Trust or the Friends of Whitcliffe Common.

The Friends of Whitcliffe Common have defended the decision to cut down the oak tree and have revealed that the work was paid for by two donors whom they are refusing to name.

Meanwhile Shropshire Wildlife Trust are refusing to answer any questions about the felling and will not disclose if they know who paid for the felling or if the Trust ordered the tree to be cut down or the instruction came from The Friends of Whitcliffe Common.

Gareth Thomas, the well-known Ludlow Wildlife photographer who has been a member of Shropshire Wildlife Trust for 40 years and the Friends of Whitcliffe Common for 20 years, has resigned from both organisations.

He joins the people who are withdrawing their support and is calling upon members of both the Shropshire Wildlife Trust and the Friends of Whitcliffe Common to do the same in protest.

Gareth Thomas claims that the loss of the tree is an ‘obliteration’ of the memory of the late Alan Poulton MBE who founded the Friends of Whitcliffe Common and whose dying wish was to see the trees retained.

The Friends of Whitcliffe Common have issued a statement defending the cutting down of the tree but decline to answer questions.

In it they say that that the felling was in line with a management plan and that it has improved views over the town.

"The one oak tree on Whitcliffe, agreed for removal by Shropshire Wildlife Trust, following public consultation and Shropshire Council Planning approval, has been taken down," reads the statement. "From the top of the Common, overlooking the town, the view line has improved.

"Full cost of this work has been met by two anonymous supporters. No FOWC funds will be spent.

"Keeping the view lines has been a part of the management plan for Whitcliffe Common since 1998, when Friends of Whitcliffe Common became a charity and eight aims were put in place.

"The Trustees, for both Friends of Whitcliffe Common and Shropshire Wildlife Trust are very aware that taking down an immature, healthy oak tree is an emotive issue. They respect all the differing views and opinions, realise the decision will not please everyone and thank those giving support.

"Following a Bill brought to Parliament in 1821, Whitcliffe has been cared for by volunteers. Previously the Whitcliffe Commoners Association undertook responsibility, now Friends of Whitcliffe Common continue this tradition.

"During 2016, in excess of 1,000 voluntary hours were spent keeping the Common a healthy, safe environment for everyone to enjoy, in their own way, the many facets of Whitcliffe, one of the jewels in Ludlow’s crown."

Gareth Thomas claims that both Shropshire Wildlife Trust and The Friends of Whitcliffe Common were aware of the wishes of Alan Poulton who died in 2014.

“There is one over-riding tragedy, for me, behind this mindless killing,” said Gareth Thomas.

“This is the apparently deliberate obliteration of the memory and legacy of Alan Poulton, the founder of Friends of Whitcliffe Common, without whom the Trust would not exist.

“He was passionately keen to keep the two oaks and pleaded with Shropshire Wildlife Trust in his last year, for them to be preserved in perpetuity: a far more fitting and long-lasting memorial than a metal seat and plaque could ever be.

“Before the felling, both trusts were well aware of Alan’s wish, and have summarily ignored it by allowing the felling to proceed.”