A landmark Norfolk pine estimated to be more than 30 metres high, was removed at St John’s Union Church last week.

The project co-ordinator Mark Ellis said the tree had been causing the church building to deteriorate and had also posed a risk to underground services.

“Mike Hardy from Tricky Trees did an excellent job of dismantling and felling the Norfolk, which we estimated to be about 70 years old,” Ellis said.

“Mike showed skill and agility in climbing up to remove the branches, some of which were much heavier than they looked. These hit the ground with massive thumps.

“Later he felled the main trunk, which was just over one metre in diameter, and which was cut and guided down with the help of a winch.

“We are indebted to volunteers from the church, led by Stan Lodge, who rallied around to chip the branches and clear away a massive pile of fronds and debris.

“Most of this material was donated to be used as mulch by gardeners in the community.

“Rounds from the trunk — which obviously needed splitting -- were given away for use as firewood.”

Ellis said though the church was opened almost 120 years ago the building was in excellent condition overall.

“Removal of the Norfolk opens the way for further maintenance of our beautiful old church building, with the present congregation keen to see it kept useful for the community.”