I have just returned from walking round Tarn Hows, where I was appalled to see how many tree stumps have been encrusted with coins.

Where has this ridiculous fashion come from and what do people think they are doing?

No possible purpose can be served by hammering coins into dead trees and what a waste of money!

It may only be a penny or two per person but collectively it must amount to tens, if not hundreds, of pounds.

I wonder if anyone else deplores this trend as I do.

I would certainly urge the local authorities and landowners to take whatever steps they can to stop this senseless damage to our woodland areas.

Joanna Smith

Kendal