A local tree surgery business began work to fell a mature Beech tree at The Prospect on Tuesday, April 25th.

Herefordshire Council recently granted planning permission for the tree to be cut down.

The Council’s case officer, Andrew Cunningham, conducted a site visit on March 28th, and had no objections to the application. In his report, Mr Cunningham wrote, “There is evidence of recent large limb failure which has prompted the submitted tree survey and application.”

He continued, “A large canopy reduction is likely to undermine the overall health of the tree. In addition the amenity of the tree would be lost which questions the cost effectiveness of future maintenance works.

“There are numerous benches positioned beneath the tree and because of the location of the tree (adjacent to view point) it is considered that there is a heightened likelihood of a high target beneath the tree throughout the year.

“Consideration was given to pollarding the tree and leaving as a standing stem, but this was deemed inappropriate due to the formal setting.”

During the planning application process, Herefordshire Council did receive one objection from The Woodland Trust. Brian Jones, Volunteer Veteran Tree Verifier wrote, “The tree proposed to be felled is listed on the Ancient Tree Index.

“This tree has significant ecological value all of which would be lost if the tree is removed entirely and, whilst extensive canopy reduction would not eliminate the possibility of further significant limb failure, an even more extensive canopy reduction would do so even though the tree would be almost certain to fail. This action would leave a high stump (4m) which would retain some ecological and perhaps aesthetic value and be less costly than total removal and reinstatement of the area.”

In the decision notice, Juliet Wheatley, Service Manager at the Built and Natural Environment Team stated that works to remove the Beech Tree was allowed, and three standard sized Beech trees will be planted as replacements.

The decision notice also states that if the tree surgeons discover the nest of a wild bird in the tree, or if a bat is discovered while work is being undertaken, all work must stop and advice sought from Natural England and the Council’s Ecologist.