Maidenhead & Windsor

The magnificent Holm Oak tree that has been a longstanding landmark at Boulters Lock, Maidenhead, is now suffering from considerable decay and needs to be removed.

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough, which owns the land leased by Boulters Restaurant and Bar, has reluctantly agreed that the tree has now reached the end of its life and, in the interests of public safely, must come down.

Cllr Simon Dudley, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead adult and community services, said it was with great regret that the council had agreed the tree should go.

He said: “The oak is a much-loved local landmark on the river, enjoyed by generations of Maidenhead residents and visitors. However, the borough’s tree officer agrees with the experts employed by the restaurant owners that the tree is well beyond saving. If left alone it would continue to deteriorate and could be blown down by a strong wind, posing a risk to the public.

“It is always a matter of the greatest regret when a beautiful tree reaches the end of its days and the council is asking the lessees for a semi-mature tree to be planted at the earliest opportunity so that it will grow over the coming years to be a fitting replacement for the much-admired oak.”

The tree is scheduled to come down on Monday 8 June and the contractors will be working to minimise inconvenience to local residents, restaurant users and drivers on Ray Mead Road. Access for residents and Boulters Lock users will be maintained at all times.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead