SIR — Loss of any part of our natural heritage is always a shame, but sometimes necessary. Further to Jeremy Scott-Bolton's letter last week ('Felling the oak was a travesty'), in the high winds earlier this year the 40-foot high oak tree shifted its position alarmingly. It was inspected by professional tree surgeons and declared unsafe as it was (and is!) rotten at the base and that rot appears to have tracked down into the roots. It was, therefore, a threat to the adjacent house.  The rot cannot be seen from the road-side of the tree, which is why, presumably, Mr Scott-Bolton has been misled. It appears that the tree was around 300 years old and so had been in place when the railway line was built, 150 years ago. Since then, the railway embankment has been up against the rear of the tree, and decay has been working her slow wiles on the tree. So perhaps it is the railway contractors of the 1860' we have to blame! The tree was take down with great care and skill by local firm Sullys and it was a joy to watch them at work. It is a shame it has gone, but will, no doubt, keep a few West Somerset residents warm next winter. Shed a tear for the tree, of course, but better to plant an acorn or two! Robin White, Stogumber.