Saplings destroyed after vandal killed three Scots pines

A mysterious tree feller who killed three 30ft Scots Pines by poisoning them with noxious chemicals has struck again.

Residents of Bournemouth, Dorset, were left distraught when the unknown vandal drilled holes and administered poison into the three mature trees, which faced Poole Bay.

Now it seems the person has struck again, this time targeting a string of young saplings.

The feller, who first targeted the trees in July 2016, poured a herbicide down the strategically-angled tunnels – killing them.

Neighbours became concerned when the crowns of the once-magnificent structures, valued at £500,000, began to turn brown as their leaves died.

At the time Bournemouth Borough Council said it would look to prosecute the perpetrator if they could identify and find them.

Some residents believed the vandal was likely a resident of one of the luxury cliff-top flats which looked out on the view.

West Cliff Green, where the trees grew, lies between three blocks of flats and the 80ft seaside cliffs.

In July last year the vandal climbed over the fence and carved away the saplings causing the sap to leak from their trunks, killing them. Recently they returned to snap one in two

It was thought they were motivated by a desire to improve their own sea view and increase the value of their property.

But the suspect was never identified and six new saplings were planted next to the poisoned trees, which were left in place.

However, since then the shameless feller has struck again by bleeding the young trees of sap and even snapping one in two.

Wire fencing had been put up around the growing saplings to protect them from harm.

But in July last year the vandal climbed over the fencing and carved away the saplings’ outer bark, causing the sap to leak from their trunks, killing them.

Wire fencing had been put up around the growing saplings to protect them from harm but residents say the dead trees look ugly and that signs, which inform residents why fencing around the trees is in place, tar all residents as guilty

Anyone who wilfully destroys or damages a tree that is subject to a Tree Preservation Order can be taken to court and fined up to £20,000

And more recently the perpetrator returned to snap one of the young trees in two.

Now the head of the local residents association has resigned in disgust after others asked the remains of the dishevelled trees to be removed.

They say the dead trees look ugly and that signs, which inform residents why fencing around the trees is in place, tar all residents as guilty.

Reverend Chris Colledge said that by doing so they would be endorsing the vandalism and giving the culprit what they wanted.

‘The reason I am doing this [resigning] is because I cannot support criminal intention and activity which appears to be supported by the majority of local residents,’ he said.

In serious cases a trial can go to crown court and, if convicted, the criminal is liable to an unlimited fine

‘It would appear the majority of residents would like all the poisoned trees to be taken down, as well as others, and there to be no fencing.

‘In all personal honesty I cannot go along with such thinking. The wildlife, birds and lovely trees make the area what it is – a most beautiful and tranquil place.’ Despite a police and local council investigation the identity of the saboteur remains unknown.

Anyone who wilfully destroys or damages a tree that is subject to a Tree Preservation Order can be taken to court and fined up to £20,000.

In serious cases a trial can go to crown court and, if convicted, the criminal is liable to an unlimited fine.

In 2012, businessman Neil Davey was fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £14,500 costs for arranging to have his neighbour’s tree cut down so he had unobstructed views of Poole Harbour from his sun terrace.

Bournemouth Council could not be reached for comment last night.