MINDLESS VANDALS DAMAGE SALFORD'S TREE OF TREES IN BUILE HILL PARK

It would seem that the mindless vandals have struck within Buile Hill Park, damaging and possibly killing a tree which was donated to both the park and the City of Salford as part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee, back in 2022.

The Rowan tree was one of 350 saplings which were originally part of a sculpture called the Tree of Trees, which stood for a time within the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

Photo ©: WPA POOL

The Buile Hill Mansion Association were one of the 350 community organisations from across the UK, which were given the honour of receiving a tree and had recently commissioned a plaque at their expense  to commemorate the occasion.

The trees were eventually taken from the palace grounds and distributed in their iconic silver pots adorned with the queens crest, across various parts of the realm, with Salford's 'Rowan' planting its roots firmly within the park back in January this year (2023) thanks to former Ceremonial Mayor of Salford - Ann Marie Humphries.

Photo ©: Buile Hill Mansion Association

Sadly someone has seen fit to vandalise the tree which in our opinion looks to have been deliberately targeted as none of the other trees around it have been damaged.

Branches appear to have been snapped and an attempt has been made to break the whole tree trunk at the bottom.

Why on earth someone would do this is anyone's guess? Why this particular tree? It seriously makes us question just what goes through the minds of some people.

The park is due to undergo huge changes in the coming years, with the ongoing renovation of the mansion and surrounding area eventually coming to completion. The tree was intended to become a focal point for future generations to enjoy but now someone has put its own future in jeopardy.

This is an iconic tree with both local and national relevance and should be preserved and properly protected. It was a gift to our city by the late monarch.

If you have any information regarding those who damaged the tree then please get in touch via newsdesk@salford.media. If are an expert and could help save the tree then please also get in touch via the same email address.