An award-winning author has paid tribute to a popular tree that brought joy to generations of children and dog walkers, and prompted floral tributes to be left on its shattered trunk.
Nicknamed the Lonely Tree, the iconic beech on Rodborough Common tree fell victim to Storm Gerrit on Wednesday.
Speaking on Chris Baxter’s BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s afternoon show, an emotional Katie Fforde said: “This is a sad occasion, and so many memories are tied up with that tree.
“It was always a meeting point when my children were younger, they would meet up for football and even yoga.
“My children and grandchildren have played in this tree and this is a very emotional time for people, who loved this tree.
“I would like to see another tree planted in its place and have a writing competition to write a lovely story about it.”
A favourite for generations of children and dog walkers, flowers were often seen in its hollows and children often hid there too.
