"The impact has been devastating and irreversible!" The iconic tidal island of St Michael’s Mount, located in the remote southwest region of Britain, is typically recognized for its serene atmosphere. However, it has recently transformed into a bustling site filled with the sounds of chainsaws and wood chippers as gardeners work tirelessly to address the extensive destruction wreaked by Storm Goretti.
Recent assessments reveal that a staggering 119 large trees have been lost, including majestic holm oaks, hollies, sycamores, and Monterey pines that towered at heights comparable to four-story buildings. Approximately 80% of the island's tree population has been decimated.
Darren Little, the head gardener, expressed his shock upon witnessing the aftermath: "When I arrived here the following morning, even in the darkness, I could see that the tree line had drastically changed. As dawn broke, the full extent of the devastation became evident – it’s heartbreaking. In just a matter of hours, years of diligent effort were wiped away, altering the landscape of the island forever."
The storm unleashed chaotic winds that toppled tens of thousands of trees throughout the western part of Cornwall, with strong gales coming in from the north-west. This unusual wind direction contributed to the vulnerability of the trees in this area.
Little shared that, in his 25 years on St Michael’s Mount, he has never experienced a storm of such magnitude. The granite island, which is crowned by a historic castle and can be accessed by a causeway during low tide or by amphibious vehicles at high tide, usually only witnesses one or two trees being uprooted in severe weather. "Nothing like this has ever happened before," he remarked while guiding a reporter around the site on Wednesday.
On the night of January 8, the local weather station recorded an astonishing gust of 111.8 mph (180 km/h), although the Met Office later confirmed that the highest recorded speed in all of Cornwall was 99 mph.
While some trees managed to survive, such as a gnarled sycamore on the island's eastern side that has become a favorite among photographers, others weren’t as fortunate. A holm oak, planted in 1984 to commemorate Prince Harry's birth, has been uprooted and cannot simply be replanted; the shallow soil conditions make recovery impossible. It is also concerning that other trees may have suffered damage from the saltwater spray that enveloped the island during the storm's peak, raising the possibility that additional trees may fall or need to be removed in the upcoming months.
Despite the destruction, Little is determined to find a silver lining. The Cornish name for the island, "Karrek Loos yn Koos" (which translates to 'grey rock in a wood'), indicates that it was once surrounded by lush forest. However, he also pointed out that the ongoing climate crisis is resulting in more intense storms, wetter winters, and drier summers across the UK. "This is something we will have to consider as we rethink and redevelop the landscape," Little emphasized.
Back on the mainland, vital habitats for wildlife have also suffered significant damage. One notable location, known as Bog Plantation near Penzance, has been completely flattened. Birdwatchers were particularly drawn to this area last January when a rare booted eagle made an appearance.
Inland, Friendship Woods, a crucial habitat for starlings and rooks, along with being a favored dog-walking destination, also faced devastation. Henry Mathews from St Aubyn Estates, which manages Bog Plantation and Friendship Woods in conjunction with the National Trust, estimated that approximately 500 large trees were lost across their 5,000 acres (2,000 hectares) of land. "The loss of trees and habitats is monumental," he stated, reflecting a collective sense of sorrow over the situation.
He noted how the landscape has dramatically changed, with trees that once obscured views now gone, making cars traveling to Penzance visible from St Michael’s Mount. "Trees have silently shaped our surroundings, and now the landscape is irrevocably altered," he lamented.
Many cherished trees have fallen throughout west Cornwall, including one on the Isles of Scilly that was beloved for its rope swing. Ian Marsh, the assistant director for the National Trust in the southwest, indicated that the number of trees lost on their properties could potentially be in the tens of thousands.
"One long-term effect we will face is the loss of unique specimen trees that people hold dear," he explained. "For those who regularly walk their dogs and pass a particular tree, it becomes a part of their everyday landscape, carrying memories and associations that are impossible to replace."
Other affected areas include Penlee Park in Penzance, home to an art gallery showcasing works from the Newlyn School, and the Growing Links community garden, also situated near Penzance.
Amidst the destruction, the resilient community of Cornwall has pledged to replant and rejuvenate their landscapes. At Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens, where stunning views of St Michael’s Mount can be enjoyed, many impressive trees, including a scenic woodland walk filled with mature beeches, have been lost.
Yet Polly Bolitho, an employee at the gardens, remains optimistic about the future. "Even in this time of loss, our garden continues to evolve," she remarked. "It’s often in the contrasts between light and shadow that new ideas are born. From one storm to another story, we eagerly await the next chapter."
