'Unsafe' park trees face the axe

By akeller

COUNCIL lumberjacks are preparing to chop down more than 20 trees in Lichfield's Beacon Park next month.

The trees – 23 poplars – line the stream which runs towards the woodland area and are a landmark feature of the grounds.

But they were planted in 1961 and, as poplars only tend to live for around 50 years, are approaching the twilight of their lifespan.

Experts have deemed them unsafe and recommend they are chopped down, as there is a danger they could fall on people visiting the park.

Lichfield District Council is set to start work on Monday, February 2, to remove the doomed trees.

Branches will be chipped on site but the trunks will remain at Beacon Park over the winter.

They will be taken away later in the year when the ground conditions are 'more suitable', said a council spokesman.

Cabinet member for leisure services, Councillor Val Richards, said replacement trees would be planted later this year.

"It's a great shame to remove such a lot of trees, but poplars are notorious for blowing over in strong winds and losing their branches," she said.

"Because Beacon Park is a popular attraction, we need to make sure visitors are not put at risk and sadly have to lose the poplars.

"I am pleased to say we will be planting trees later in the year which will be more robust and better able to withstand the weather."

More cutting is on the cards later.

Next winter will see the council begin work to thin the remainder of the woodland so more light can get to the woodland floor.

The plan is then to plant shrubs, bluebells, wood anemone and other wildflowers to create a peaceful and picturesque wooded area.