The yew tree sapling planted to replace the much-loved Lebanese cedar in the middle of Rye Cemetery has apparently been attacked by rabbits and its future hangs in the balance.
The previous tree was felled in 2023 after it was found to be diseased and said to pose a risk from falling branches or the tree toppling over.
Rother District Council (RDC) has now added protection to the young tree after being alerted by a local resident on Tuesday 14 April. A transparent plastic sleeve 1m in height is now in place around the vulnerable trunk.
It’s unclear how bad the damage is to the 8-foot tree and whether a new sapling will be required, but RDC’s cemeteries officer said a new tree would be planted if needed.
Rabbits are known to pose a serious problem at Rye Cemetery, attacking saplings and small trees.
Image Credits: Juliet Duff , David Worwood .
Unfortunately rabbits are a real problem there. They have already demolished several plants I have left in the memorial gardens by my late husband’s place of rest. I need to know if there is anything they dislike. I am surprised that they liked the yew sapling!
Why hasn’t anyone put a tree guard of some description around the tree to above the height a rabbit can reach? Am I missing something or could it be as simple as that?
Sometimes common sense is in short supply.
In the article they say a tree guard has been placed around it..
Let’s hope once the tree has become more mature the guard will been taken off before the trunk grows into it I presume being clear will
mean woodlice and other invertebrates will not invade the space between the trunk and guard..
Are these clear tree trunk guards recycled? Or is it bio degradable ?
Why did the choose a yew instead of replacing the Lebanese cedar. Even though it could not be planted in the same place.