Tree work taking place in Stanmer Park

Work will to take place next week on trees behind Stanmer House which have begun to pose a risk to public safety.

Inspections by our Arboriculture Team have found several trees will need to be either cut back, fenced off or treated.

The trees, some of which are more than 300 years old, have significant issues which could mean heavy branches falling onto people below.

Thankfully, the work will prevent most from having to be felled completely.

Picture: Cedar tree requiring work

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The land behind Stanmer House is home to several specimen trees between the house and the woodland.

One of the cedar trees is showing signs of decay and lost limbs and sits next to a busy path.

The work will see this tree cut back, but remain as a home for hole-nesting bird species, such as great spotted woodpeckers.

A group of three cedars nearby, two of which are in serious decline, will be fenced off with mulch spread at their bases to help them retain water.

Two further groups of cedar trees will also be mulched.

Two more trees, an ash and a poplar, are dying and will either need to be felled or reduced to large stumps which can be used by wildlife to nest.

Protecting our trees and keeping visitors safe

Councillor Alan Robins, Cabinet member responsible for parks, said: “It’s important this work takes place to keep visitors to Stanmer Park safe from harm. Unfortunately the risk of large limbs falling from these trees is too great to ignore.

“Thankfully, tree felling is being kept to a minimum and in most cases we’ll be able to keep trunks or stumps as a home for local wildlife.

“Stanmer Park is a city gem. A place where thousands of trees and animal species can thrive, but it’s vital we keep it safe for everyone who visits and enjoys the park every day.”