At the recent meeting of Oram’s Arbor Residents’ Association, the question of the management of the magnificent trees surrounding this much-valued public open space, in West Hill, was discussed.

In particular, this focused on what was, in November 2021, the partial felling of an ancient beech, on its south west corner, the tallest tree of the group, after a single branch was torn off in a gale. The ugly mutilated remains of this tree were left reminding us of our loss, under the fallacious theory that it might spring fresh shoots from the stumps of its dismembered limbs.

We are well aware of the value of retaining the remains of felled trees to encourage biodiversity but that does not require the timber to remain vertical. Rather if it were felled from the base of the substantial trunk (which showed no sign of rot in the exposed cross-sections of severed branches, other than the one that had dropped) it could be shaped to form play sculptures and benches, enriching the experience for the many children and families who use this open space.

Kate Macintosh MBE RIBA,

West End Terrace,

Fulflood,

Winchester

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