Ashington Town Council Addresses Tree Removal Concerns: Quick Action Yields Facts
Ashington Town Council is pleased to share comprehensive information regarding tree management in our community, following inquiries from concerned residents and Cllrs. In response to questions about tree removals in various areas of Ashington, the Town Council has taken proactive steps to gather accurate information from both Northumberland County Council (NCC) and Bernicia.
After Cllr Gemma Hemsley raised concerns voiced by members of the public, Ashington Town Council officers promptly engaged with NCC and Bernicia to obtain the facts. This initiative underscores our commitment to transparency and ensuring that correct information is available to our residents. Both organisations responded quickly, demonstrating the commitment officers have to working together.
It was clear that neither organisation would fell a healthy tree, but officers felt it was important to get the full facts.
NCC's recent tree management activities:
Two trees were felled in Hirst Park: a dead Beech near the pavilion and a diseased Cherry on a nearby grass area. Both trees have 4m stems left as habitat, supporting local biodiversity.
A replacement tree will be planted for the Cherry in the Autumn/Winter.
The Beech was in a woodland area with ample remaining trees, requiring no replacement.
Bernicia's tree management:
A total of 154 trees were removed in the Ashington area, but only after careful consideration.
Bernicia's policy is to never remove healthy trees.
Reasons for tree removal included issues such as significant hollowness, ash dieback, crown decline, self-seeding in inappropriate areas, and fungal infections.
109 new trees were planted in Ashington earlier this year as part of Bernicia's tree planting project.
Bernicia aims to plant 3,000 trees over the next three years across their estates.
Cllr Paul Wright, newly elected Chair of the Climate Change Committee stated, "We appreciate the concerns raised by residents regarding tree removals, it shows that the people of Ashington care about trees. By working closely with both NCC and Bernicia, we've been able to provide clarity on this important issue. It's reassuring to know that tree removal is done only when necessary and that there are significant replanting efforts underway."
Ashington Town Council is particularly excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Bernicia on environmental improvements that will benefit our community. This partnership approach demonstrates our shared commitment to maintaining and enhancing Ashington's green spaces.
We encourage residents to stay informed and engaged with local environmental initiatives. The Town Council remains dedicated to acting on residents' concerns, seeking accurate information from the appropriate sources, and working with our partners to ensure Ashington remains a green and vibrant place to live.
