Last week’s piece detailed reaction to the planting of some new “trees” at whip stage, on a green in Thornbury. The reaction on Keep Thornbury Safe Facebook page suggested a varied response with residents in support and very few complainants.

The petition to save the Vilner Lane Wood, 1400 trees, from destruction, attracted 1379 signatures and the decision is awaited. The public do value trees but how planting is approached, is key.

The Council (SGC) have signed up to the Climate Emergency. More trees need planting. The majority know we need them. The issue was that no one in the area had been consulted, or leafleted by SGC, so locals felt it had been foisted upon them.

People feel the green areas near them are theirs, for children to play, and small steps to get residents onside could have avoided their feeling left out, minimising potential vandalism. One resident suggested trees could have been placed around edges.

If SGC are to continue to raise our present dismal tree cover, there’ll be more support if the public are involved, especially if, as here, a plantation of trees suddenly appears, with not even Thornbury Town Council being consulted as to the siting.

They were told trees were coming but not where. Their Environment meeting recently noted, pre-planting, some unease re. planting on play areas.

Further, more time could be taken to plant new trees in natural clumps, not in regimented lines. Trees in nature don’t grow in rows, but in clumps, as trees spread via jays, squirrels, natural seed dispersal etc.

There are so many green banks around Streamside where sensible amounts of trees could be planted, adjoining mature planting, where no one would notice, and where they are more likely to thrive unharmed. This will take more preparation, and time, but is more likely to gain locals’ support.

The report, link below, shows how very short of trees we are in S. Glos. Most tree planting in Thornbury, is owing to the sterling work of our Tree Warden. Hopefully, SGC will continue to plant but with more thought and more dissemination of leaflets to pubs, schools, halls, meeting places , selling the idea to all.

Liz Macdonald

Thornbury