Sadness At Loss Of Ancient Tree

A 200-year-old tree at the centre of worship by druids and witches has been chopped down to size after it became diseased.

The 80ft beech at Winterbourne Abbas has been reduced to a 10-metre stump by English Heritage because of fears it would die and fall over.

The tree has become a dominant feature at the site, famous for the ancient stone circle standing beneath its branches.

Now the Dolmen Grove, a Weymouth-based druid group, will perform a 're- balancing' ritual in mourning for the loss of the tree and to mark a new beginning for their holy site.

The Arch Druid of the Dolmen Grove, antique-dealer Chris Walsh, will lead the peaceful service and hopes many of the sect's 250 witches, druids, shamans and pagans will attend. Full Story

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