A PEAR tree in Cubbington is bidding for European glory.
Having been named England’s Tree of the Year, the tree which is threatened by the proposed HS2 rail line, is now a candidate to become Europe’s top tree.
Believed to be over 250 years old, the Cubbington Pear Tree has become a countryside icon in Warwickshire and is in conmpetition with 14 others for the European title.
Anti-HS2 campaigners hope the tree’s growing status will strengthen their fight against the high speed rail line.
The Cubbington Action Group and parish council have battled for over five years to preserve the tree and ancient woodland for future generations.
Despite its new-found status, the Cubbington Pear tree is set to be felled after all requests to save it and the woodland by modifying the design of HS2 have been turned down.
Chair of the Cubbington Action Group, Peter Delow said: “I am proud and excited that our tree will be representing England in the European competition.
“I hope that everyone who voted for us in our home nation competition will support us again now we are up against national winners from other European countries, and feel sure that the plight of our tree will attract support from our friends across the water who care about our environment.
“It is hard to credit that England’s, and potentially, Europe’s Tree of the Year could be no more than firewood within a year or so.”
People are being urged to vote for Cubbington Pear Tree. Voting closes at www.treeoftheyear.org on February 29.
