A TEIGNMOUTH schoolgirl has appealed to a headmaster: 'Please don't chop down an old oak tree.'

Anastasia Weston, 11, who attends Teignmouth Community College, was upset when she heard that Trinity School, near her home in Grange Drive, wanted to fell the fine specimen which could be more than 200 years old.

The head, Tim Waters, claims the tree might be dangerous, but has assured her that a final decision has yet to be made.

Anastasia, a keen environmentalist, said her bedroom and that of her brother Taylor, six, look out at 'two great oak trees' on the Buckeridge Road boundary of the school.

'If one of the oak trees was cut down, we would have a direct view of Trinity School, and they would be able to see into our bedrooms.

'I enjoy looking out to this tree and to see all the bird life, especially the crows and wood pigeons. It would be sad for them, as well as myself, if this tree was cut down.

'We are taught at school to protect the environment, so how does this help?'

Mr Waters praised Anastasia for her interest in the fate of the tree, and said the school was concerned that one of the oaks was showing signs of dieback, which might indicate it was unsafe.

'It is beside the coach layby, and schools have a duty to ensure that pupils and passers by are reasonably protected from any risk of trees shedding branches, given they can weight a ton.'

He pointed out that an application to fell the oak, which is subject to a tree preservation order, was made to Teignbridge 'as a worst case scenario', while they sought further advice. Consultations were being held with Teignbridge Council, and tree experts, to find out what the next step should be.

'I am a qualified forest ecologist and know how valuable oak trees are for woodland life, and I am very keen to save the tree if possible.

'I am delighted that Anastasia has shown such interest in her environment – it is very encouraging. I hope we can find a way to make sure the tree is safe, and keep it as a feature of the local area.

'If the school has to fell the tree, a replacement will be planted in order to ensure Buckeridge Road keeps its wooded character for many more years to come.'

Anastasia's dad, Andrew, said her protest was entirely her own idea, and he was very pleased she had drawn attention to the matter.

TreesaveJW