Every two years, New Alresford Town Council arranges for Hampshire County Council’s Arboriculture Team to carry out an independent survey of trees at Stratton Bates, Arlebury Park, Sun Hill Recreation Ground and Memorial Gardens. The survey checks the health and condition of the trees and identifies any work needed to keep them safe.
As the landowner, the Council has a responsibility to manage its trees and reduce the risk of injury or damage. Where a tree is found to pose a risk, the survey may recommend pruning, other tree work or, if necessary, felling.
Unfortunately, this year’s survey has identified more trees than usual that need to be felled this winter, mainly due to Dutch elm disease and ash dieback.
At Stratton Bates, a number of elm trees in the hedgerow alongside Makins Court have been affected by Dutch elm disease and will need to be felled. At Arlebury Park and Memorial Gardens, several ash trees have been badly affected by ash dieback and are now in significant decline. These trees have reached the stage where felling is necessary to manage the risks they pose.
Dead trees can still be valuable for wildlife, providing habitats for insects, birds and other species, so they do not always need to be removed. However, where a dead or declining tree poses a safety risk, action is needed. This is the case for several willow, hazel and blackthorn trees at Sun Hill Recreation Ground and Memorial Gardens.
We understand that trees are an important part of our parks, and that it is disappointing to see them removed. The Council’s aim is to care for our trees wherever possible, while ensuring that our public spaces remain safe for everyone to enjoy.