July 2025 News: We were all sad to see Sweeny’s Willow die. East Suffolk came to take it down on July 9th, and when there they found that the base of the other willow ‘had failed’ and was splitting so they felled that one too. This was the Willow that many of you and your children and grand-childen have climbed on its looping limbs.

We will of course re-plant. The unusual memorial plaque is safe, and will be re-positioned as soon as replacement trees are found, suggestions welcome. If anyone has any background information on Sweeney (we are in contact with his widow), or when the Willow was planted, please let us know and we can add to the story, for we are keen to collect stories around about our trees.

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Halesworth memorial trees recorded April 2022. From documentation provided by Lisa Simmonds.

Halesworth Tree Preservation strategy

Part of planning in East Suffolk Council, TPO’s are mapped to give an identify of each tree. The Department of Communities and Local Government have produced a leaflet called Protected Trees: A Guide to Tree Preservation Procedures written for the benefit of tree owners. If you think a tree is threatened – by being cut down or by land that may be sold and developed, please let your tree wardens know. Halesworth and Holton have 3 active tree wardens (Lisa, Rachel and Clare)

In addition, we have registered our Heritage Trees, which are named and part of our Neighbourhood Plan and registered on the Biodiversity Database. A map and record are here. This gives them extra unofficial protection.

Silver Birch – Chediston Street
Horse Chestnut – Thoroughfare
Tree OH?
Maple/Ash/Sycamore/Sycamore – NOrwich Road near Chinneys
Copper Beech – Elizabeths

Holton