Beech Tree Protection
Ancient Beech Tree near Oakley granted reprieve after plans to cut its branches were stopped.
Focus
An ancient Beech Tree along the multi-use path near Oakley has been protected after residents raised concerns about plans to severely cut back its branches. When Network Rail raised safety concerns, the borough council checked the tree and confirmed it’s healthy with no reason to cut it down. This shows how speaking up together can make sure tree management balances safety with protecting mature trees.
What’s next
- The council will keep checking tree health and condition along the path
- Ongoing tree maintenance will keep things safe while protecting mature trees
How to get involved
- Enjoy and appreciate our mature trees
- Report any concerns about tree management to the council
- Support protection of mature trees in our communities
- Share knowledge about local trees and their environmental value
Updates
Ancient Beech Tree granted reprieve
The ancient Beech Tree near Oakley has been granted a reprieve after the borough council confirmed it is healthy and there are no grounds for cutting it down.
Following concerns raised by residents, the council assessed the tree’s condition and health. The assessment confirmed that the tree is healthy and poses no safety risk, meaning the proposed severe cutting is not necessary. This is a great result that balances rail safety requirements with protecting our mature trees.
Read more →Residents raise concerns over ancient Beech Tree
Residents in Oakley have raised concerns after an ancient Beech tree along the multi-use path was marked for severe cutting by the borough council.
The tree was one of many marked in late February after Network Rail informed the council that trees along the path must be maintained following an incident where another tree fell on the railway tracks over the winter. While the safety of rail passengers and staff is important, residents are concerned that the proposed cutting would likely kill this mature tree, which has significant environmental and community value.
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