Lonely Tree

Work has started to try and save a Powys landmark - known as 'The Lonely Tree'. The Scots Pine has surveyed the Llanfyllin landscape for at least 150 years - but was brought down by the 100mph winds that battered Wales in February 2014. The town council hope to keep the tree alive by covering its roots in soil. The work started over the weekend by using a dumper truck and a team of volunteers. The tree will also be fenced off to keep hungry sheep from eating its leaves.Work to preserve - and potentially save the tree - got under way by covering two 'tap roots' to stop the tree from dying. It is hoped that it may also trigger what is known as a 'phoenix' reaction - where the tree is regenerated. The tree is such a well known landmark in the area, that it is used as part of the logo for the town council's website.According to local tradition, anyone planning to walk up Green Hall Hill should ensure they visit the tree and give it a hug.

Llanfyllin Mayor, Ann Williams said the tree would have to be left for a year to see if another sapling starts growing. The tree stood on land owned by the family of town and county councillor Peter Lewis. "The tree is important to many people and is a historical part of Llanfyllin and the Cain valley so we had to try and save it" he said. "My family have had many requests from people all over the world who wanted to spread their loved ones' ashes near it".

In addition to a huge voluntary effort to save the tree, covering the roots in 30 tonnes of soil, fencing it off and fundraising, it has inspired poetry and music, and much love. Lonely Tree won the European Tree of the Year award for 2014, and has a mention on the Ancient Tree Forum and Tree Hunter websites.

The Lonely Tree

There in a brown field all alone,
Sits a tree lonely.
Day after day,
the lonely tree watches the sun play.
Night after night,
he cries to the stars and prays.

He cries in the dark, "This lonely tree
can no longer bloom.
They have all withered away,
my little cherry blooms.
Aren't I still a pretty tree?"

Year after year,
the lonely tree sits there
waiting to hear
the footsteps of someone who might be dear.
All the lonely tree wishes for
is to show his cherry blooms to someone dear.

On one spring day,
A girl walks alone and sad.
There in a brown field all alone,
the girl sits by a lonely tree.

She cries to the tree, "This lonely girl
can no longer hold what's most dear.
He has gone away,
my dear fiancee.
Aren't I still a pretty girl?"

The lonely tree made one quiet wish.
"If I only could,
give her a reason to smile I would.
That would be my last wish."

And with the ease of a gentle breeze
cherry blossoms filled the air,
and kissed the girl's hair.
As if they tried to say,
"No more tears today or any day.
Just smile for me
because to me
you are a pretty girl and there's no other."

By T. Lauren Cole
North Utsire