By Renee Wood
Parks Victoria is investigating the illegal felling and vandalism of a heritage listed Cork Oak (Quercus suber) tree at the Fernshaw Picnic Ground on the Black Spur.
The tree was planted on 12 April 1913 by the wife of the then Governor-General, Lady Denman in commemoration of a 1901 visit to Fernshaw by Duchess of York, (later Queen Mary, wife of King George V).
Sadly, it appears to have been chainsawed and felled by vandals during the 2022 Queen’s Birthday weekend in June.
At the time, Alexandra Newspapers reported further damage to the ground from vehicles and that a symbol was carved into the trunk of the tree.
Last week, Parks Victoria cleared the remainder of the tree, leaving the stump still in place in hope of it sprouting another Cork Oak.
Yarra Ranges Area Chief Ranger, Conrad Annal, said the incident is in stark contrast of the community’s strong natural and heritage values.
“It has been unpleasant for many of our dedicated volunteers, professionals in the field of conservation and community members who have fond memories of picnics surrounded by this tree, to be confronted by this act of destruction,” Mr Annal said.
Healesville Historical Society President Bryn Jones said it was a historic and rare significant tree.
“What on earth could compel anyone to kill a beautiful 109 year old tree in such a brutal, and presumably, planned act?” Mr Jones said.
Healesville resident Alastair McKenzie is one local resident who was upset to see the damaged tree when he recently drove past the picnic area.
“There were a couple of emotions that I felt, I was quite surprised at how upset I was… I realised that there was a lot of memories tied up with that tree as well,” Mr McKenzie said.
Mr McKenzie said he and many other locals and visitors would have fond memories of the tree being at the reserve for so many years.
“Our family’s been in the Valley for about 140 years and it was certainly a destination for generations of our family,” he said.
“It does make you realise that there are a lot of symbols that make up your heritage that connect intergenerational, that connect memories, connect family, and I was looking forward to taking our kids there.”
The 109 year old evergreen tree was fenced and had a plaque telling of its history at the site, with the act seen as deliberate and intentional.
Parts of the tree weighing over seven tonnes, were transferred to a secure location for drying and curing, with plans to see the wood turned into an art piece which will be displayed in Marysville.
“This wood, once dried and cured, will be transformed into artwork by chainsaw artist Rob Blast in a project with the Marysville Triangle Art Collective which will be displayed with pride in the town,” Mr Annal said.
It’s also believed the Healesville Historical Society will be honoured in some way with a piece of the tree for display locally.
Parks Victoria is urging anyone with information to come forward and contact 131 963.
