New tree planted to replace “Tree of Lost Soles”

A NEW tree has been planted to replace Warrington’s “Tree of Lost Soles” which was accidentally chopped down more than three years ago.
Warrington North MP Helen Jones was joined by local councillors and borough council chief executive Steven Broomhead to plant a rowan tree to replace the gone-but-not forgotten Tree of Lost Soles at Woolston.
The planting was part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy initiative to mark Her Majesty’s lifetime of service to the Commonwealth.
As part of the initiative other trees – including a hazel, two silver birch and two rowans – will be planted in Birchwood Forest Park to complement existing woodland.
The trees have been donated by the MP thanks to a partnership between the Woodland Trust, Sainsbury’s and ITV, which in April screened a landmark documentary, The Queen’s Green Planet, which highlighted the monarch ‘s deeply held commitment to the Commonwealth and her little-known love of trees.
The Tree of Lost Soles (pictured below) was a quirky piece of public artwork at Woolston – an old tree decorated with old shoes, trainers, boots, etc – which was accidentally chopped down by borough council workmen without consultation with local residents.  It caused an uproar at the time and the council apologised
Helen Jones said the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy was a great initiative which helped raise awareness of the importance of woods and trees.
She said: “I have donated my trees to Birchwood Forest Park but, in addition, I thought it would be a fitting gift to the community in Woolston for a tree to be planted where the much loved Tree of Lost Soles used to be.”
Woodland Trust chief executive Beccy Spreight said: “We are delighted that Helen Jones has decided to join in our bid to plant trees as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy.
“We all need trees. They are a cornerstone of our landscape and countryside, forming an essential and cherished part of our cultural identity. They are crucial in improving soil health and water quality, reducing carbon, trapping pollutants, slowing the flow of flood water, sheltering livestock, providing a home for wildlife or a space for us to breathe. I hope the residents of Warrington North will enjoy watching them flourish as part of this wonderful legacy initiative.”
Sainsbury’s chief executive officer Coupe said: “I was lucky enough to grow up surrounded by woods, so trees have a particular resonance with me. Sainsbury’s recently planted its three millionth tree with the Woodland Trust, and the thought of being able to get so many more in the ground as part of the Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is an exciting prospect.”