A GIANT 70 foot tree is threatening to crush a classroom at a nature reserve near Knutsford.

Staff at Lower Moss Wood Wildlife Hospital were shocked to discover a huge limb from the 200-year-old beech tree had broken away.

The office and classroom at the reserve between Over Peover and Marthall can’t be used until £2,500 is raised to take the tree down.

Vicky Boag-Munroe, who works at the nature reserve between Over Peover and Marthall, said: “A great big branch of the tree crashed to the ground taking some of the surrounding bushes.

Knutsford Guardian: Staff are desperately trying to raise funds to have the giant tree taken down safelyStaff are desperately trying to raise funds to have the giant tree taken down safely

“It blocks a pathway. If gust of wind came in the wrong direction it could end up landing on the office and classroom.

“It is ironic beyond belief that a nature reserve is being held ransom by one of its trees.

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“We haven’t been able to use our office or classroom since it happened.”

The reserve has launched a fundraising appeal to have the tree taken down.

“It was a stunning tree, 200-years-old,” said Vicky. “It is a tragic loss.

Knutsford Guardian: A huge branch that fell off is blocking a pathA huge branch that fell off is blocking a path

“We have had some very kind offers from local companies who have come out to assess the damage and will try to do all they can to keep costs down for us.

“However, because of the size of the tree, specialist equipment is needed. Even with reduced fees it is still an expensive job because of the scale of the task.”

Wellwishers have donated more than £1,500.

“We are blown away by the generosity of everyone,” said Vicky.

“Not just those who have donated, but all the people who have sent us good wishes.

“Every little thing makes a difference.

“We are eternally grateful. We could not do what we do without the support we receive from people like this.

“Thankfully our wildlife hospital is in a separate building further back so it is still able to function.”

The hospital started in 1989 and strives to rescue and release injured and orphaned animals and birds back to the wild.

Education is a top priority. The reserve hosts school and educational visits on a regular basis but is unable to offer this facility until the tree is taken down.

Four staff and an army of volunteers work at the reserve.

To donate visit facebook.com/lowermosswoodwildlife/