A tree survey (to BS 5837: 2005 ‘trees in relation to construction’) was carried out by JCA Ltd. (Arboricultural Consultants) of Halifax, West Yorkshire in December 2006. During this site visit, a Beech tree was observed to have the remains of the fruiting body Meripilus giganteus at its base.

Due to the nature of Meripilus giganteus and the location and size of the tree, recommendations were made for the tree to be removed.

A search of the area revealed that the tree was located within the Baildon Station Road Conservation Area and due to this, its size and local significance, Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council were first contacted before any tree works were organised. A site meeting was arranged with Mr Waterworth (Tree Officer) the outcome of which was a decision to further investigate the extent of the decay using a Picus machine.

Based on the results of the Picus investigation it was concluded that the tree should be removed. Local tree contractors G P Gill Ltd., were instructed to carry out the removal of the tree, which took place October 2007.

It has been proposed to plant a new tree (possibly an English Oak, Quercus robur) at the site, to help compensate for the loss of the Beech tree.