An iconic tree on Saundersfoot’s seafront may be felled, if an application made to the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority is successful.

The Monterey Cypress growing on Scar Rock on Saundersfoot’s front beach has been an attractive and much-loved feature of the village for over 80 years, according to the Saundersfoot and District Historical Society.

The tree has recently been described as “an integral feature of our beach landscape enjoyed by local people and visitors alike.”

Notes by the Historical Society’s Committee reveal that it was planted on the rock in January 1938 by Mr. George Williams whose family lived in 18 Railway Street, a cottage on the site of what is now Beach Court.

When small, the tree was taken indoors at Christmas to be decorated. However, by 1937 it was clear it had become too large to be used indoors again so a decision to plant it on Scar Rock, which the family called their top garden, was taken.

The Monterey Cypress is an unusual tree. A native of the Pacific Coast of North America, it is salt resistant and thrives on rocky ground and cliffs. The tree on Scar Rock has withstood many winter storms while pushing its roots deep within the rock and perhaps further into the surrounding area.

Public safety is the reason cited for the application to fell the tree. The History Society Committee, with the support of Friends of Saundersfoot and District, have expressed their strong belief that a rigorous evidence-based assessment be made “before such an important feature of the Saundersfoot landscape is lost for ever.”

“While public safety is paramount, any decision about the tree must be made on accepted arboreal grounds.”

Since the issue was highlighted on Facebook on Sunday the post has been shared more than 200 times and received over 100 comments:

“This tree is more than just a tree, it’s foremost in many of our fondest memories and should continue to remain a feature of our beautiful and iconic beach!” argued one of those commenting. while another added:

“I, like many others, grew up listening to the legends of this tree. I love sitting under it, and feeling at peace with the solitude listening to the waves.”

“It could be made safe and kept in-situ with a properly designed and anchored trunk support, but only if arborists deem it necessary as a precautionary measure,” suggested a third objector.

A tree surgeon from Stockton-on-Tees who holidays in Wales each year commented: “I’ve sent my objection to its removal... I hope if its on safety grounds the rock could be drilled and wires put over the roots if that’s the main concern.”

Objections to the proposal to fell the tree must be made to the Park Authority by the end of March, which the Society have observed is “a very short timescale, particularly at this time and may limit time for the necessary research to investigate the assertion of public risk.”

Objectors to the proposal to destroy this , should send their comments to the National Park citing reference NP/21/0172/TPO.