Logs of century-old trees removed months after controversial felling

The Lawson cypress trees next to the Lumsden Presbyterian Church. PHOTO: MICHAEL CURREEN (file)
The Lawson cypress trees next to the Lumsden Presbyterian Church. PHOTO: MICHAEL CURREEN (file)
A scattering of stumps are the only remnants of the 14 trees that once surrounded the Lumsden Presbyterian Church.

The removal of the logs was confirmed by Lumsden Tree Lovers member and Lumsden resident Kate Morgan.

She said the century-old trees were taken away by trucks last week after being cut down in August.

After the church was sold the trees had to be cut down to allow the building to be taken off the site.

This would allow for the creation of a new worship centre.

In July 2022, a stay of execution was granted for the trees, after a peaceful protest by the group prevented contractors from beginning their removal.

However in August of this year, members of Lumsden Tree Lovers had to perform a last-ditch effort to save them.

They chained themselves to one of the 14 trees to prevent their felling but the effort was unsuccessful.

The trees were cut down and the logs remained on the site for the next three and a-half months.

Lumsden Tree Lovers member Kim Spencer-McDonald, of Dipton had protested for the trees to stay and now could not bring herself to visit the site, she said.

"I haven’t been back up much because I find it a little bit traumatic," Mrs Spencer-McDonald said.

However, despite the trees being gone she hoped that they would be utilised well.

"For me I guess that was always our hope ... potentially they could’ve still been sitting there for people to actually enjoy.

"I’m not sure the reasons why they couldn’t [remove them] at the time."

Church representatives could not be contacted for comment.

However, last August a spokesman said the decision to fell the trees had not been easy.

"We can assure you that this decision has not been easy and that other options have been investigated and found unviable."

ben.andrews@odt.co.nz