This lonely tree is an Instagram star - but its fate is inevitable

It is one of Wales' most-loved beauty spots - but the time of the so-called Lonely Tree being an Instagram star could be slowly coming to an end.

The birch tree's striking setting at Llyn Padarn in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, draws photographers to capture the sight through the seasons.

But the local authority Cyngor Gwynedd has raised the prospect of the tree, which was planted around 2010, disappearing within the next decade or so.

A lack of nutrients in the soil means birch trees have "a relatively short lifespan" in the area, typically living for around 30 years, but the fact that The Lonely Tree is sometimes submerged in water means its time could be even shorter.

Thousands of walkers and photographers make their way there each year and the tree has many social media sites dedicated to it, including one with 3,500 members on Facebook.

Marc Lock from Bangor, Gwynedd, said: "The Lonely Tree holds a special place in my heart and that of my family.

"Nestled down by the Lonely Tree, it's a perfect spot for us to sit, reflect and soak in the breath-taking scenery.

"We often go paddleboarding there in the summer months."

However, he said the area really became his sanctuary after his wife bought him a camera for Christmas and he took up photography.

It was the place he headed to straight away, and he returns regularly at various times of the day and throughout the seasons.

"It's my go-to spot whenever I have some free time and my camera in hand," he added.

"I can't imagine what I would do if anything devastating happened to it like that at the Sycamore Gap tree at Hadrian's Wall. It's simply unthinkable."

The Sycamore Gap was a much-loved landmark beside Hadrian's Wall in Northumberland that also drew hikers and photographers from far and wide.

It was more than 100 years old and had been the scene of many proposals, with people making the trip there from around the world.

But it was cut down by vandals in September 2023, causing uproar, with thousands of people leaving tributes and posting messages about their love for the beauty spot.

Two men were jailed for four years and three months after admitting the illegal felling.

While maybe not quite as famous as the Sycamore Gap was, The Lonely Tree is every bit as special to those that hold it dear to their heart.

Gaby Grey, from Gloucester, changed her walking route in Eryri to see the tree for the first time, describing it as "a rare winter wonderland setting".

She called it an "iconic landmark", adding: "It's sought out by hikers drawn to its famous silhouette and scenic mountainous backdrop."

Cyngor Gwynedd said the tree had been present at the lake since at least 2010.

But because of a lack of nutrients in the soil at the site - known as Y Glyn - birch trees have a relatively short life span there, typically living for around 30 years.

"Due to erosion the tree on occasion is partly submerged within the lake, and this has resulted in it being an iconic shot for photographers," a spokesperson added.

"However, this also means the tree is getting less nutrients and will most probably have a shorter lifespan than other birch trees at Y Glyn."

They said there was no active intervention from wardens to protect it, and as it is at a Site of Special Scientific Interest, work to prevent further erosion is not possible.

"We encourage visitors to Y Glyn to admire the tree from afar, and hope that this hardy little tree will be here to be enjoyed for many more years," the spokesperson added.