Campaigners are still fighting to ‘Save Saundersfoot’s Lonely Tree’ - the Monterey Cypress residing on Scar Rock on Saundersfoot Beach which is under threat.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority development management committee agreed last month with an officer recommendation to hold a site visit to Scar Rock opposite Beach Court as soon as possible, with a decision on an application to fell the Monterey Cypress tree on the seafront site to be decided after members have seen it for themselves.

With judgement looming on the application, the Friends of Saundersfoot and District and the Save Saundersfoot’s Lonely Tree group are following up initiatives that will strengthen the case for saving the tree.

“This Monterey Cypress, a great rarity in the UK, needs to be preserved by Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and even investigated further as a potential saviour of many coastal communities all around our coastline,” said campaigner Nicky Mallen.

“Here in Pembrokeshire and most notably right on our own doorstep on Saundersfoot’s Glen Beach there are areas of coastal erosion that must be of some disquiet to PCNPA.

“Just look up to the trees at the top of the cliffs in these areas of concern and some tree species are teetering on the edge where the soil is being degraded with every landslip,” she continued.

From its now-rare oceanside habitat in California, Monterey cypress (Hesperocyparis macrocarpa, formerly known as Cupressus macrocarpa) travelled to many countries outside the United States. Valued for its extensive root system, it was widely used for soil erosion control. The well-defined taproot accompanies fast-growing lateral roots, but surface roots are not a problem. The tree grows 70 to 90 feet in height and matures to a 30 to 40-foot spread. Monterey cypress roots tolerate sand to clay and well-drained, acidic to slightly alkaline soil.

The anchoring roots provide good drought and wind resistance. Erect in inland plantings, the trees twist beautifully in coastal winds over time.

“The up-to-date arborist report which the Friends of Saundersfoot are submitting with their objection interestingly highlights in the storms of 1976 in Britain it wiped out the majority of mature Monterey Cypress trees in Britain; the only surviving mature trees were found in coastal areas,” explained Nicky.

“Therefore, those Monterey Cypress like our ‘Lonely Tree’ that are in a more exposed landscape on cliff faces and where their roots penetrate into the rock strata that rooting system will be very secure in rock, as opposed to the inland trees with a root system in soil that failed.

“It’s not uncommon with this species for part of its root system to be exposed and the rest buried deep. This tree thrives in adversity soaking up the salty sea air and saltwater splashes and if it were to be removed there will be erosion issues to Scar Rock.

“The root system is holding together the soil on top of the rock; if the tree is to be removed there is a likelihood of the soil failing, as there is nothing holding it together and then you really will have a health and safety issue.

“I really hope PCNPA start to look at Saundersfoot’s lonely tree in a different light and look at this as a unique and rare opportunity to look more closely at a rare ‘survivalist’ and wonder of nature that could be the answer to the worrisome issue of coastal erosion,” she added.

The campaign group can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘SaveSaundersfootsLonelyTreeGroup’