Goldsmiths tree hailed as ‘campus landmark’ falls during weekend storm

A tree which stood in the heart of a university campus for 40 years was blown down as storms swept the capital last weekend.

The 10m-tall Indian Bean tree, which towered over the quad area in the centre of Goldsmiths, crashed down over the weekend of September 21 and 22, when torrential rain and winds hit South London. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

The storm caused flooding across the capital with cars submerged and travel disrupted throughout the week.

Staff from the New Cross university’s estates and facilities team are working to remove the tree and make the area safe, with the quad closed while this takes place. 

A spokesman for Goldsmiths said: “We’re very fortunate to have such a green campus and it’s sad to have lost one of our trees. 

“We are thinking about how to replace the tree and will be working with our community on this project.” 

 The tree is thought to be up to 40 years old. 

A recent survey found that ground conditions had limited the tree’s ability to fully establish roots – mainly due to a concrete sub-base. 

The assessment concluded that the tree could remain in place, with the decking surrounding the plant removed over the summer to help support the tree’s growth.

The university’s gardening team are currently looking for a suitable replacement tree to take its place.

Pictured top: The fallen tree in the quad area of Goldsmiths, University of London (Picture: Goldsmiths, University of London)