Trees now or in 15 years?

It’s decision time for the Friends of Lowndes Park – well for us all. Chairman Michael Rowan needs to find out whether most residents want the bid for lottery funding to include a re-planted avenue. It wouldn’t exactly replicate the avenue felled in the 1950s because one tree was feared to have Dutch Elm disease which would have passed to the remaining trees When it was cut down the trees were found to be healthy and the first disagreement arose as to whether or not it should be replaced. Many people appreciated the vista its removal had opened up towards the top of the Park and this difference of opinion has continued ever since.
The Avenue or paved road traversing the park is a bridle path, and now known as Rue de Houilles to recognise one of Chesham’s twinned towns.

Personally I hate to see trees cut down and about six of the existing trees would need to be cleared. We would lose shade and also need to wait years for the replacement trees to grow to look like trees. Of course elms cannot be used so the nearest proposed replacement is the small leafed lime (tilia cordata). And what about vandalism – I doubt if there won’t be one or more of the proposed avenue snapped off within the growing period, necessitating re-planting and the difference in size and age of the new tree. The trees already established look terrific and a number do flank the pathway. Also - what would happen to other uses for the Rue de Houilles? Where would the stalls go on Carnival Day – there wouldn’t be room along the existing path.
Although Lowndes Park failed to achieve the Green Flag status this year, judges commented, “the ‘Avenue’ would add nothing to the landscape if existing trees needed to be felled …. A mixed age, mixed species plantation is far better.”
Michael Rowan said, “The steering group will make the decision at its next meeting and as chair I will not vote unless there is a tie.” However Michael, as chair of the Friends, will represent the majority view of members of the Friends but report the views of others to the steering group. Anyone can make representation to any of the other members of the steering group.

The steering group will make the final proposal to the town council vis a vis the entire Heritage Lottery Fund submission.
I urge you all to make your preference known immediately, email michael.rowan@ntlworld.com or call 01494 785146.