WORK is due to start soon in Nelson’s Walverden Park to remove diseased and ageing trees that are coming to the end of their lives or are diseased.

The trees, which are predominately sycamore and copper beech, have been identified as unsafe and ageing through a tree survey paid for by the Friends of Walverden Park as part of the park’s management plan.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, who represents parks in Pendle, said: “Specialist surveyors identified that some ageing and diseased trees need to be removed as part of Walverden Park’s ongoing maintenance.

“The poor quality trees that will be felled have a limited future or are already in decline. Replacing them now will ensure that the tree cover in Walverden Park continues for many more years.

“Planting new trees will also help to vary the age of the park’s trees and ensure that the woodland areas will remain healthy for years to come.”

Martin Hodgson, secretary of the Friends of Walverden Park group, added: “Trees that were planted a long time ago are all ageing at the same time.

“A large proportion of them are showing signs of disease, meaning that some will have to be cut down for the visitors’ safety of visitors to the park.

“There is also a lack of new trees growing underneath, meaning there will be no new growth to replace the dying trees that are dying unless we plant more now young trees.”

The tree felling work in Walverden Park will start in early February before Following that, around 120 new trees will be planted in the park.

Pendle Council park keeper Lee Johnson said: “We have plans to plant a variety of species including oak, willow and alder trees, which will enhance the existing species in the park and will improve the ecological value of the park.

“The species we’ve chosen will offer a wider range of autumnal colours, attractive berries, spring flowers, interesting bark and leaves. As such, the site should be attractive in all seasons.

“Planting new trees will also give the park’s tree canopy a longer life expectancy.”

For more details, more information about this work in Walverden Park, contact park keeper Lee Johnson on 01282 661588 or send an email: to lee.johnson@pendle.gov.uk