Tree planted to replace survivor of the Blitz

LARGE SYCAMORE BY GUILDHALL FINALLY SUCCUMBED TO STORM

A TREE has been planted in Plymouth city centre to replace one that had stood for years but was damaged in a storm. Lord Mayor Mark Shayer helped bed in the sycamore outside the Guildhall after it was gifted to the city by Plymouth Tree People (PTP).

In April last year, during Storm Noa, the large sycamore which had stood alongside the Guildhall for more than 100 years was damaged and had to be removed. Sometimes called the Survivor Sycamore or the Blitzed or Blasted Sycamore, because it survived World War Two bombing, it may have been planted at the same time the Guildhall was built in 1874.

PTP gifted the new sycamore to the city to stand in the exact location. It is a semi-mature sycamore from Endsleigh Gardens Nursery, and comes with a wrought iron tree guard, and a dedication plaque.

At the planting ceremony, Cllr Shayer said it was a "privilege" to help install the tree. He said: "It is to replace the veteran tree that stood here for more than 100 years before it was blown down in Storm Noa last year.