Dispute over need for tree felling in Broadfield Park

Date published: 12/11/2006

Following the announcement by Rochdale Council of plans to fell trees in Broadfield Park as part of the long term restoration of the park, a dispute has broken out over the necessity between Conservative Councillor Ian Duckworth and Lib Dem Councillor, and Portfolio Holder for the Environment amp; Sustainability, Wera Hobhouse.

Councillor Ian Duckworth said he was surprised to read about the proposals to fell trees in Broadfield Park:

www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/News/news.asp?ID=2426

He wants all those involved to reconsider what he called a "drastic, illogical and ill-informed decision." He added: "It is plain from Council statements that there is an unchallenged assumption that because a tree is old this is reason alone for it to be felled.

"Old trees provide much more sustenance for wildlife than younger ones. They are home to a plethora of insect life which in turn supports other creatures with food. To remove such trees in the centre of an area otherwise starved of such flora and fauna is irresponsible and goes against the ethos of the Council's green agenda, and of course larger trees convert more carbon dioxide into oxygen thus helping to reduce global warming.

"I also note that there is an intention to fell 'diseased' trees. I well remember the Council proposing to cull trees in Balderstone. Local residents paid for an independent arboriculturalist to inspect the trees in question and his report found the doomed trees suffered the kind of localised problems that come with old age and that there was no logical reason to remove them. I believe such 'diseases' have been used in the past to justify the felling of trees in inconvenient places and I fear that may be the case in Broadfield Park."

Councillor Duckworth went on to say that he does not understand the logic that "because old photographs show fewer trees in the park in Victorian times we should have fewer trees now." He explained that Rochdale in those days had hardly any tree cover at all and even today is way behind the national average for woodlands.

He added: "I do accept that there is a need to reduce the cover in Broadfield Park; this could be achieved by removing most of the rhododendrons. These shrubs are not native to this country, support hardly any wildlife and crowd out other plants and trees. Their removal would open up many more vistas than the excision of many mature and beautiful trees and would also be an opportunity to plant sapling or smaller trees for future generations to enjoy.
 
"I implore the powers that be to fully consult councillors and relevant organisations before any final decision is taken. How can we enforce tree preservation orders on developers and members of the public when we are not responsible custodians of our own trees?"

Responding to Councillor Duckworth's criticism, Councillor Wera Hobhouse said that tree preservation is top of her agenda. For this reason she had several meetings with the Council's Arboriculturalist and Park Managers. Councillor Hobhouse visited Broadfield Park last week to have a look at all the tree work and to reassure herself that all the work is necessary for "the good management and healthy growth of the remaining stock." She said: "It is also making the park a lot safer for people to use."

Councillor Hobhouse added: "I really believe the Council has taken every possible care over the management of the tree work and the park's renovation is a fantastic opportunity, everybody looking at the work in progress must be impressed.
 
"If Councillor Duckworth really cared, and actually walked through the park, he would have noticed that the rhododendrons have long been trimmed down. I also invite him to look at all the trees earmarked by a white cross and identify the one's he would like to keep and discuss it with the Council's Arboriculturalist and English Heritage.

"May I remind him that he would have had plenty of opportunities to comment on the scheme while it was discussed over the last two years when his Conservative colleagues held the Environment post."

The Friends of Broadfield Park have been heavily involved and fully approve of the plan, and for every tree removed a new tree will be planted.
 
Since the park is in a conservation area all trees are automatically protected. Special permission by the Council's Planning Control Officers must be granted before any trees can be removed.