MADAM, My previous letter on the subject of trees was seemingly not sufficiently provocative to elicit any response and I find, sadly, that in discussing the removal of nature's most beautiful manifestation there is little or no dismay.

Is it any wonder then that this island has less than a quarter of the forestation of our European neighbours. Up and down the Wye from the Wilton Bridge, farmers have taken it onto themselves to restore the river bank to the barren stretch of water it was in times past, ignoring the lovely mystery of a river as perceived through a sylvan screen portrayed by artists or snappers when engrossed by a scene quite impossible to create.

Of late several gorgeous trees have been removed locally including a Horse Chestnut near the Wilton Bridge. The disease associated with this species is common throughout the country and has been for some years. This has not diminished their beauty in spring and summer, only appearing in early autumn. Even a dead tree is prettier than a clinical stump.

Please could we all think and think again before we remove the most beautiful things on this planet. Without them we will be for ever lonely.

P G Hewett, Ross