Efforts to save a “majestic” tamarind tree by the City of Hamilton have been applauded by the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce.

The tree at the Cedar Avenue entrance to Victoria Park was blown over when Hurricane Fay swept over the island in October 2014.

“BEST would like to applaud the Corporation of Hamilton, and in particular their Parks Department, for their amazing efforts to preserve this majestic tree,” the group said in a statement.

The group added that the hurricane knocked down and damaged a number “of beautiful old trees” and the Corporation’s Parks Department had been working to save and preserve them since.

“For those who have walked through or past Victoria Park in the last few months, you will have seen the Corporation of Hamilton employees working diligently in the maintenance and preservation of a number of trees.

“Their latest effort is the Tamarind tree which is at located at the Cedar Avenue entrance to the park. The tree was completely blown over by Hurricane Fay.”

The group said that in order to save the tree, about 20ft had to be pruned from the top to right it and cables were used to support the tree because the roots were damaged. The cables have now been moved closer to the tree trunk and an enclosure is being built around the tree, which will support the tree as well as provide seating for visitors to the park.

Steven DeSilva, the Superintendent of Parks, stressed that the team behind the project should be recognised for their work. He said Carlos Carreiro and Carlos Brum, who both work in the maintenance and development department, had turned a simple idea into reality.

“We determined that the tree was worth saving,” Mr DeSilva said, adding that they saw an opportunity to incorporate seating space in the area.

“It’s a very simple design,” he added. “I’m trying to invite people to sit together and enjoy the park.”

Mr DeSilva expects that visitors to the park can enjoy the new seating area by the end of the month.