Decision taken on Lombardy Poplar Trees at Stanborough Lakes

After careful consideration, Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council took the decision at its Cabinet meeting on 7 October 2008 to fell 195 Lombardy Poplar trees in the south car park at Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City.

A further 34 poplar trees in the north car park which have been identified as hazardous will be felled with the remainder reviewed.

Councillor Clare Berry, Executive Member for Environment and Community, said: “This was a very difficult decision; we share the desire of the community to protect the landscape but have to balance that against our responsibilities to ensure public safety and manage the risks.”

Three independent consultants agreed that the risk posed by the trees in the south car park to people and cars in their current condition is too great not to act.

The council and the independent consultants investigated and considered a number of proposals to manage the risk of the trees in the south car park and concluded that felling was the only realistic option for a number of reasons:

• Pollarding would only offer a short-term solution as a majority of the trees are coming towards the end of their lifespan.
• Fifteen per cent of the trees are dangerous and need to be removed immediately. However removing these would result in other weak trees becoming exposed and more likely to cause damage.
• This represents the best opportunity for a  long-term landscape solution that can be implemented to allow the new trees to grow up together.

The trees in the north car park have a longer life expectancy and the risk to the public has been categorised as ‘moderate’. The council will consider how to manage these trees through the Environment and Scrutiny Committee, who will also consider options for replanting in the south car park. We will be seeking the views of the community as part of this process.

Cllr Berry adds: “We understand the role the trees play in the identity of Stanborough Lakes and are a recognisable feature of Welwyn Garden City as a whole. The landscape will be changed but the replanting will restore it to full glory.”