Carrying out some TLC

The Tree Team are currently working hard between Broad Drive and semi-natural woodland beyond the western side.

This is an area that has needed attention for quite some time as there is a line of young woodland trees, mainly ash and sycamore, that are adversely affecting the growth of our specimen trees.

This section is designated as ‘arboretum’ instead of ‘woodland’ within our long-standing Forest Design Plan, so we have decided to act now, in order to prevent further suppression of the specimen plants. The problem of suppression is exasperated on this particular side of Broad Drive by some over-mature Leyland cypress, that will at some point in the future be in danger of blowing over if left standing. They have become very big and tall, and unfortunately block out a great deal of important light.

So you may hear the sound of chainsaws, as the appearance of this part of Silk Wood changes for the better and this landscape restoration is complete. I can assure you that the views from Broad Drive will be much improved, and of course as always with any tree removal, we will be looking to plant a few more attractive specimens when the ground has had chance to settle down.

Mark Ballard

Curator