A Tribute to the Wishing Tree
Storm Eowyn has left its mark, and sadly, our beloved Wishing Tree—a
centrepiece of our site, a symbol of wonder, and the heart of many
traditions—has suffered greatly. This gnarled and charismatic old friend has
stood through countless seasons, inspiring visitors young and old to dream,
hope, and even leave a bit of themselves behind in the form of coins for good
luck.
While the luck it bestowed may not have saved it from the storm, we’re not ready to give up on it just yet. Part of the root plate remains in the ground so our team are taking extraordinary measures to give the tree a fighting chance, carefully pollarding its crown, stabilising it and nourishing its roots. It’s a long shot, but if successful the Wishing Tree could grow a new crown and continue its legacy.
If this effort doesn’t succeed, the Wishing Tree will still hold its place on the site—not as it once was but as a standing piece of deadwood teeming with life. This transformation could make it a haven for biodiversity, offering shelter and sustenance to countless creatures.
The Wishing Tree has always been a symbol of resilience and hope. Let’s keep that spirit alive as we care for it in this next chapter. Whether as a reborn guardian of wishes or a thriving hub of life in its new form the Wishing Tree’s story isn’t over.
We invite you to share your favourite memories of the Wishing Tree below. Let’s celebrate everything it has meant to us and look forward to what comes next.
