Police probe over poisoning of mature oak trees in Poole

The 70ft tall mature specimens have had holes drilled into their trunks and poison poured inside in a 'shameful' act of sabotage.

The two trees, believed to be about 80-years-old, stand on the edge of a recreation ground between Poole Harbour and homes that sell for between £2m to £3m each in the Whitecliff area.

Residents only realised something was wrong when the trees failed to leaf earlier this year and looked completely bare compared to ones alongside them.

The two dead oak trees and luxury homes behind. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPS

An examination by a council arboricultural officer confirmed the trees were dead and that foul play was to blame.

Now BCP Council has reported the matter to the police and warned that the perpetrator could be prosecuted for criminal damage.

Over the past 10 years there has been a spate of similar attacks on trees in the suburbs that surround the harbour where homeowners pay a premium for properties with a sea view.

The most high profile case was that of a businessman who in 2012 was fined £75,000 for arranging to have a 50ft tall pine tree felled because it stood in the way of the views of the harbour from his hot tub.

The latest incident at Whitecliff Recreation Ground in Sandbanks Road has led to residents lining up to deny any knowledge of the attack and to slam the "selfish vandalism".

John Challinor, the chairman of the Parkstone Bay Residents Association, pictured with residents and, right, Cllr Ann Stribley next to the two dead oak trees. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPS

One male householder said: "We moved here in March and noticed that the two trees weren't producing leaves like the others.

"It was obvious something was wrong with them.

"Now we have received a letter from the council explaining that someone had drilled holes in the trees and poured a toxic liquid inside.

"There are only a small numbers of houses along this road which would have a motive for getting rid of those two trees.

"It is no way to give yourself a better view. It is quite shameful.

"It is a real shame to lose two trees like that. They must have been here for decades but they're never coming back now."

One of the holes drilled into the trees. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPS

Eunice Marsden, who lives close to the park, said: "Sadly it's not the first time we have had an incident of someone killing trees over their view.

"I think the neighbourhood feel if the police got some PCSOs knocking door to door I'm sure they would get some information.

"It's not general vandalism, it takes time to do and must have made a noise, someone probably has an idea of who it was.

"To think it may be people who live here who has done it is worrying.

"People need to take action and track down who did it."

Parkstone ward councillor Ann Stribley said: "People are outraged. This is vandalism of the worst kind and is totally selfish.

"Something like this is usually done by someone with a strategic view. If only we could find out who did it there would certainly be a prosecution, but you've got to be able to prove it.

"I find it very difficult to find the words to describe people who do such a thing.

"I hope the council will leave the dead tree there so it's in their face as a reminder of their stupid and selfish actions."

Location of the trees that have been poisoned

John Challinor, chairman of the Parkstone Bay Residents Association, added: "It's environmental vandalism. These trees take a long time to grow and add so much to the park and for wildlife.

"I think the people that might benefit don't think about the wider implications. It's supposed to be a space for everybody to enjoy.

"If everyone had the view they wanted, we wouldn't have any trees."

Another resident said: "We don't know who would have done it. We don't know anyone here that wants to see trees taken down."

In a letter sent to residents appealing for information to help identify the culprit, Trevor Maynard, arboricultural officer at BCP Council, said: "It has come to our attention that two oak trees at Whitecliff recreation ground have died or are dying.

"On inspection it is apparent that the trees have had holes drilled in their trunk, most likely, for the purpose of introducing a toxic substance with the intention of causing their destruction.

"This action may constitute criminal damage and the perpetrator could be liable to prosecution. This incident has been reported to the police for them to investigate.

"If you have any information to this incident or see anyone acting suspiciously please contact the police."

Councillor Ann Stribley, John Challinor, chairman of the Parkstone Bay Residents Association with Buddy the dog, Eunice Marsden and Liz Bearcroft stand in front of the two dead oak trees at Whitecliff Recreation Ground. Picture: Corin Messer/BNPS

A BCP Council spokesperson told the Daily Echo that a third tree - a pine at Baiter Car park, had also died.

Dorset Police's investigation is ongoing and no arrests have been made, a force spokesman said.