CONCERNED at the 'carnage' inflicted on trees at Cedar Shade, the Sid Vale Association has appointed an officer to keep an eye on trees under threat. Rodney Scott, 74, who has a lifetime interest in trees, was appointed to the role at a recent meeting of

CONCERNED at the 'carnage' inflicted on trees at Cedar Shade, the Sid Vale Association has appointed an officer to keep an eye on trees under threat.Rodney Scott, 74, who has a lifetime interest in trees, was appointed to the role at a recent meeting of SVA executive.Members are concerned at the loss of the cedar of Lebanon, Monterey pine and birch tree, which they say were an historic part of Sidmouth's skyline.The executive decided to be more aware of trees under threat through redevelopment or over-zealous tree surgeons.SVA chairman The Reverend Handel Bennett said the association knew, from the volume of complaints, that many had been "appalled" by the loss of the trees.Mr Scott's interest in trees began as a boy in Hatfield with Queen Elizabeth's Oak in Hatfield Park.It was the oak beneath which Elizabeth I received news she had become queen."I spent my early childhood in the park and my best friend and I used to have a den in an oak tree by the river," he recalled.As part of his career he was in regular contact with the Forestry Commission and having moved to Sidmouth and joined the SVA working parties, his interest in mature and young English native trees was renewed.Mr Bennett said: "We are pleased to have such an informed enthusiast amongst our members, and able to act on our behalf when a tree is under threat.l Any Sidmouth resident can apply for a tree protection order if concerned about any tree under threat. Mr Scott is happy to hear about any unprotected trees causing concerns on (01395) 519792.