Because of cost-cutting and easy-maintenance, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council have now started chopping down a lot of trees that they care for, which is happening throughout the town. The Memorial Gardens has had about 20 trees chopped down (see rochdale online and Rochdale Observer websites), and there are more areas in the Rochdale area that have also been chopped. I would guess that if all County Councils take this practice on, then this will affect the whole of Britain with trees and shrubs owned by the government being chopped down en masse. I also fear that all the Rochdale parks and cemeteries will have their trees and shrubs chopped down, and that this will also spread nationwide. This feels like an environmental disaster. I have sent a letter of protest to those concerned but I feel that I am wasting my time. It is very frightening, and one woman I know who lives at Belfield, says they have chopped well established trees down near her house with black birds nesting which I guess were rooks. Oh dearie me, what can the matter be! I am shocked by these goings on.
I would have thought that if birds were actively nesting, then the council's action of chopping down the trees was illegal. Have you had no reply to your letter? It may be that the trees were considered dead or dying, or unsafe to be on a public thoroughfare. Perhaps you could suggest that the council plant young replacement trees in a green area, though if it is because they are cash-strapped, I don't suppose they would think much of that suggestion.
I would hate to see our towns and villages being denuded of their trees, quite apart from the visual impact, they make a contribution to CO2 absorption.
A thing of beauty is a joy forever.
The loss of street trees and urban green space is a major cause of concern for our urban wildlife. The loss of natural cover it greatly reduces the availibility of nesting, roosting and feeding opportunities for birds.
If you are aware of any particularly valuable trees from a wildlife perspective then please consider the Tree Preservation Order process as this is the best way to ensure that the trees are protected for future generations. The link here may also be of some help.
If you are aware of an active birds nest in a place that is under threat it is essential to point out to the contractors and their employers that under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to intentionally damage or destroy an active birds nest. Make sure you point out any active nests as soon as you can and report any offences to your local police force who should be able to intervene.
Warden Intern at Otmoor.
Network rail appear to be doing the same thing. Recently i have noticed a lot of trees being chopped down along long stretches of railway embankments.
What can be the possible explaination/justification for chopping down all these trees?
Animals live second to second. Humans live knowing they have a future.
Enki said: Network rail appear to be doing the same thing. Recently i have noticed a lot of trees being chopped down along long stretches of railway embankments. What can be the possible explaination/justification for chopping down all these trees?
Leaves on the line?
No response from the environmental department although I did with my first letter. I have had positive feedback from The Green Party and also Greenpeace. But it isnt just Rochdale, as Whalley Range is going through a similar thing. This is an excellent vimeo video.
Residents Take Action Against Cutting of Local Treeshttp://vimeo.com/20840682
14 March 2011 Whalley Range tree protesters turn contractors awayhttp://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-12735106
Two cherry trees have just been chopped down in the Rochdale memorial gardens. The roots were pushing out a wall by about one inch, so they chopped them down. I would have moved the wall and left the trees alone, but sadly they are now gone. I took some photos.
But the destruction of the environment doesnt concern the Council. They have less resources and less funding, so they have panicked, and in a moment of hysteria, started to cut down healthy trees, just like Whalley Range. It is hardly a coincidence that this is happening in other places. Denuding is an appropriate word but it is so short-sighted and destructive.