A rare Medlar fruit tree belonging the the Sidmouth Arboretum group was stolen from the grounds of EDDC’s Knowle offices over the weekend (March 8/9).

The Medlar tree was part of a collection of interesting fruit trees donated by a private local benefactor to the Sidmouth Arboretum Group and was due to be planted in a new community fruit orchard in Sidmouth.

The two-metre high tree, in a 15 litre pot and worth around £100 is a relatively uncommon species these days but the fruit was popular for jam and jelly making in Tudor times. The thief ignored some more common species being held prior to planting at Knowle so is likely to have specialist gardening knowledge.

If anyone has any information regarding the location of this tree could they contact either the Sidmouth Arboretum group or EDDC Parks Officer, Mark Pollard on 01395 516551