An oak tree, estimated to be around 350 years old, in Stratford Park, Stroud has been damaged by fire.
The exact time the fire was started is unknown, but Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service responded to the incident shortly after 9am on Monday 10 March.
One fire engine was dispatched, and the crew had to cut away parts of the tree to prevent the fire from spreading.
The area surrounding the tree, which is near the children’s play area and a popular footpath along the park’s perimeter, has been fenced off to ensure the safety of park visitors.
Despite the damage, the council’s arboriculturist will monitor the tree over the coming weeks with hopes that at least part of it can be saved.
Cllr Martin Brown, chair of the council’s Community Services & Licensing committee said: “This is a very sad incident, and I hope the tree or part of it can be saved in some way. The council takes great care to maintain and enhance the natural environment in Stratford Park.
“Anyone who has any information for the police should contact them on 101.”
Stratford Park, owned by Stroud District Council, contains more than 800 trees and is renowned for having one of the finest collections of mature trees in the area.
