More trees, yes, but not at the expense of meadows. And they must be managed!

I have little to add to the contributions from James Byrne and Liz Albert whose views I wholeheartedly endorse. When planting trees we must take into account their value to wildlife (birds, pollinators and small mammals). But they must be managed! There are three areas in particular where this is not happening. One is the bank alongside the lane at the back of the Albert Halls; many wild flowers grow there but are in danger of being overwhelmed by the numerous saplings which have sprung up; another is the embankment opposite Lecropt Church where, in 2006, over 6500 Orchids grew as well as the rare Adder's Tongue Fern. Now the bank is covered in Birch trees and shrubs and the numbers of these lovely plants is now miniscule by comparison. The Ash trees which predominate on Gowan Hill look as though they have been allowed to grow unchecked such that the views of the Castle are impaired as too is the biodiversity of the area. No doubt these trees will succumb to disease before too long after which it would be good to see them replaced by more diverse species.

Jan Harbidge