Tuesday 08 October 2019
Work to repair and improve the asphalt covered car park and road in Le Guet woodland will begin in November. It is anticipated that the work will take seven days.
The current road surface is in a very poor condition and this has been caused by wear and tear combined with extensive damage from the roots of nearby Pines. In order to do the resurfacing and ensure the repairs last the roots of four Monterey pines will have to be cut which will require the trees to be felled. Unfortunately the roots cannot be removed on their own without removing the trees because it would compromise their structural integrity resulting in a heightened risk of trees falling over. Originally five trees were earmarked for removal but one fell down within the last fortnight as a result of recent storms.
Work to fell the trees will commence tomorrow Wednesday 9th October and will take 2-3 days. During this time, access to Le Guet will be limited due to tree contractors and machinery operating in the area. Parking of vehicles in Le Guet will not be permitted while the tree works are being undertaken and all users of the area are asked to be observant and follow all safety and information signs present on the site. The Cobo Community Centre will be accessible during the tree works.
Stem sections of the felled trees will be left on site to serve two functions: Firstly to stop people from driving their vehicles over the delicate woodland "floor" thereby protecting tree roots and secondly to provide habitat in the form of decaying wood which provides a food source for invertebrate "mini-beasts". This in turn offers a food source for insect eating birds and other species which together underpin the biodiversity of the site.
The felling of what are now over-mature trees, that are approaching the latter stages of their lives, offers an opportunity to broaden the range of species by planting native broadleaf species, to complement other recently planted native trees. Planting will not take place immediately since the soil requires sufficient time to recover and by doing so, it offers the new trees the best chance of survival.
Although Monterey pines are a non-native species, and therefore do not support much in the way of other species of plant or animal, they can provide valuable roosting sites for bats. To ensure that any bats are not harmed as a consequence of the works a pre-felling inspection procedure will be applied to identify and inspect sites within the trees that appear be suitable for roosts.
