Tree work happening in Victoria Park

Visitors to Victoria Park may notice tree maintenance work being done at Jemmett Road from Monday 14 December.

The work is being completed as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project to revitalise the park. It marks the first stage of the long-term planting strategy which will eventually see an avenue of magnificent London Planes lining Jemmett Road, returning this part of the park to its former glory. In total 13 new trees will be planted.

The trees will be removed by Aspire Landscape Management, and paths in the park may be closed while the work is going on. The 21 trees that are being removed are either dead, diseased, or are too close to other trees to be able to grow properly. They are being removed for safety and to make space for new trees which will form the new avenue.

The planting along Jemmett Road will provide a high-quality boundary to strengthen the sense of arrival at Victoria Park. Key long and medium views will be opened up through as part of the work.

The new trees will be planted next year. A clear planting and maintenance strategy is now in place for the park, meaning this sort of work should not be necessary again.

Cllr Matthew Forest, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Leisure said: “The removal of these trees is part of the long-term plan for Victoria Park. The revitalisation project is about introducing historic references to the park, with a traditional Victorian style of tree planting. This will support enjoyment of Victoria Park and its trees for many years to come.”

Included in the 21 trees which are to be removed are three ash trees near the building in the park. These trees have been assessed as high risk when there are strong winds so are being removed for safety reasons.

More information about the Victoria Park project is available online, and there are updates on social media - Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.