MIDLAND’S historic English oak tree is due to be relocated east of Cale Street by the middle of next year, according to the Public Transport Authority.

The Midland and Districts Historical Society (MDHS) Facebook page says the Midland oak marks the site of the old Midland Junction Railway Station (1896-1968) and was remembered as a landmark by both former commuters and country train travellers who passed through the station, as a rare example of an oak tree in Midland and the City of Swan more generally.

“The tree was planted about 1910 and is the most northerly recorded specimen in Western Australia of a Quercus robur, and as a venerable old tree in a late 19th century townscape experiencing great change,’’ the MDHS Facebook page said.

“It was classified and included on the National Trust of Western Australia’s significant tree register in 2020 after being nominated by the Midland and Districts Historical Society.’’

The society said its preferred option was that the Midland oak remained in its original location.

But PTA spokesman David Hynes said in the project’s early planning, it was determined that the English oak in the centre of the unofficial car park was too close to the planned rail lines to be considered safe, and would be at risk of damage during construction.

“As the tree is of heritage significance and an important part of the local community, the team has been working with the City of Swan to relocate the tree to a new pocket park east of the Cale Street level crossing,’’ he said.

“The tree is scheduled to be relocated by mid-2024; under the direction of an arborist, preparation work started in August 2022.

“The arborist will continue to monitor the tree after it is moved.’