THE iconic remains of a 300-year-old chestnut tree torn down during the building of the controversial M11 Link Road could be lost forever unless someone steps in to help preserve it, environmentalists have warned.

The alarm comes after the historic remains of the trunk, which has been lying on George Green in Wanstead ever since it was pulled down in 1993, caved in last week, leaving it in several pieces.

At the time, the campaign to save it made national front-page news, while the tree itself made legal history when protesters managed to persuade the High Court that it was technically a legal dwelling, because it had its own postbox and received letters.

Leading Redbridge conservationist Richard Cooper told the Guardian he was unsure exactly how the trunk had caved in, but said it demonstrated that urgent action is needed to preserve the landmark remains.

He said: “although the sections still remaining are large, I am sure many would not like to see this cleared-away and eventually fade into oblivion.”

He now wants a local venue such as Wanstead Library, the George Pub or the Redbridge Museum in Ilford to step-in and help preserve the tree for future generations.

Snaresbrook councillor Sue Nolan agreed, and said she would even consider setting up a petition to help save it.

She said: “It’s part of Wanstead history and it’s got a lot of significance. It just means so much to such a lot of people.

“We should try and save it in any way we can, or maybe we could even have a plaque in its place.”

Wanstead resident Paul Donovan, who took part in protest to save the tree, added: “The tree is symbolic of the struggle that went on there. If it goes then people will just forget about what happened.”

A spokesman for Redbridge Council said the authority would investigate the possibility of preserving part of the tree.

He added: "The Green is owned by the Corporation of London but maintained by Redbridge Council.

"We will consult with interested parties to assess public opinion and identify possible sources of funding."