19 November 2008: Tree works at Lewes Railway Land local nature reserve

Media: PR 1072

Lewes District Council is undertaking tree surgery next week within the Lewes Railway Land Local Nature Reserve. The works will involve reduction in height (pollarding) of several of the large Poplar trees, adjacent to the old Railway Embankment. The works are essential, and are in response to several structural defects within the trees, making them potentially unsafe and unstable.
 
This time of year bird life is at its least active and therefore will not be disturbed. A specialist licensed bat consultant has also been employed to inspect, monitor and carry out a watching brief on these tree works, to prevent any disturbance to bats possibly on the site.  

The works are essential to prevent serious structural defects to the trees leading to collapse or limb break out right above well used footpaths. The work will prolong the life of these trees, by reducing the chance of collapse, and encouraging new growth.
Further works also taking place, include the pollarding of willows along the Winterbourne stream. Approximately 20 willows either side of the stream will be pollarded at a 3m height. This will prevent further collapse of the very tall and brittle crack willows along the Winterbourne, and to increase light available to the Winterbourne stream. 

 All works will be carried out by  RW Green Tree Surgeons from Lewes, and will be supervised by the Lewes District Council Community Ranger.
 
Chairman of the management committee, Dr John Parry, praised the care and preparation for the works.  'Our Ranger has taken every precaution with regard to bats in particular and we are grateful for the support we receive from the public for essential works on site.  Everything we do is designed to increase the diversity and health of the site for wildlife and visitors alike'. 
 
For further information contact Dan Ross on 01273 484408.

Media enquiries to Liz Lacon, Communication Manager