For health and safety reasons, and to assist the establishment of some new trees planted last year, tree works are planned during the week commencing, the 4th April. The work will include:
- Targeting the dead standing elm trees adjacent to the public footpath between Belroyal Avenue and Bonville Road or resident properties.
- Making safe part of a collapsed willow on Broomhill Road, and some crown lifting for roadside clearance and to reduce shade to new tree planting.
The work will involve chainsaws and a woodchipper and for short periods of time, the footpath will need to be closed.
While the tree removal is to occur within the bird nesting season, the trees identified for removal are dead and do not offer very suitable habitat for nesting birds. However, an ecologist will be present prior to and during the tree works to search trees to be removed and working areas for the presence of nesting birds. The ecologist will also check the trees for any features suitable for roosting bats. Standing timber will be retained where it is safe to do so. Felled timber will be logged and stacked nearby in safe areas to create wildlife habitat.
Only trees that are in the vicinity of public footpath/property and which have been assessed to be at risk of failure have been proposed to be removed . It is considered an unnecessary increased risk to leave these trees until next winter.
The tree works do not require planning permission and are independent of any forthcoming planning application, as the works are to address public health and safety and tree health concerns. Bristol City Council has confirmed that no TPO trees will be affected and no application is necessary to facilitate the works. Felling dead trees and pruning works are exempt from felling licences.
The works will be managed by RSK on behalf of Homes England. Should you have any queries regarding these works, please contact Alex Rumph on 01732 833111.