TIME is running out for people to back a Cubbington pear tree’s bid 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 now in competition 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 more than five years to preserve the tree and ancient woodland for future generations.
But 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.
Voting for the competition closes on Monday (February 29) and chair of the Cubbington Action Group, Peter Delow, is keen for one last push.
He said: “While Cubbington representing England in an international competition is exciting and a reason to be proud of our tree, it does bring with it the pressure to do well.
“National pride is at stake here and if we are to keep the pressure on the Government to make HS2 more environmentally-friendly, it is important for the Cubbington tree to do well in this European contest.
“If you voted for the Cubbington tree before, please be sure to vote again and do your best to encourage others to support our entry this time.”
Visit www.treeoftheyear.org to vote.
