Trees

We are committed to increasing the number of trees planted and reducing tree removal in Burgess Park.

During February and March 2011 tree and scrub removal took place in Burgess Park. In January 2012 tree planting started in the park. As part of the tranformation programme 167 trees will be removed and 331 planted, which totals an extra 164 trees in the park. We're also increasing the overall amount of scrubland by over 2,000m².

The refurbishment work and earthwork movements can cause a potential loss of trees. However, we have minimised any negative impact by shaping landforms around existing trees where possible. We have also had extensive conversations with local groups and the tree officer to plant as many new trees as possible to replace lost canopy cover.

Tree species will be more appropriate to the character and setting of the park, species will be longer lived and chosen to be resilient to the effects of climate change such as drought and summer heat. Many of the removed trees are the congested, overplanted thickets where it would be part of normal wildlife maintenance to thin regularly to allow some tree to flourish to full size. The plans also state that many of the trees will be replanted where possible and all tree material will be reused in the park.

The proposed tree planting will vary in size from 14 to 16 cm girth (approximately four meters tall) to 16 to 18 cm girth (approximately six meters tall). Trees planted will include evergreen and deciduous trees with varied characteristics.

Proposed species for Burgesss Park 

Species will include: Alder, Ash, Silver Birch,Hazel, False Acacia, Sweet Gum, Field Maple, Rowan, English Oak, Pin Oak, HolmOak, Red Oak, London Plane, Poplar, Willow, Whitebeam, small and large leafedLimes, and Elm. The shrubs selected for the woodland mix are also aimed atimproving wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and includes Hazel, Hawthorn, Holly, Privet,Sloe, and Elder. The selection of species have varying mature height and spread and will reach maturity at different periods of time.

More information

Take a look at our latest design plans for Burgess Park or contact Ruth Miller, Burgess Park project manager.