Row of ‘majestic’ trees in Lewes saved from the chop

In November plans were announced to fell the trees in Blakes Walk, Lewes.

More than 1,300 people signed a petition which stated that cutting the trees down this month would “substantially alter the character of this very well-used and highly popular walking and cycling avenue”.

Last week, East Sussex County Council announced a new plan to save the trees.

Green Lewes Distri councillor for Lewes Bridge Adrian Ross said: “This is a great result for residents and nature alike, that will preserve this beautiful and much-loved avenue.

Blakes Walk in Lewes. Picture: Brian Johnson (Image: Supplied)

“Many thanks to county council officers for reacting promptly to our concerns, and for working with local experts to develop a pragmatic and sensible plan for the future. Special thanks, as always, to the hard-working Friends of Lewes Trees Committee for their expertise and sensible advice.”

It was agreed that to maintain the trees in the best possible way, the trees on the east side of Blakes Walk adjacent to the new housing should be pruned this February. The same work will be undertaken for trees on the west side next winter.

A county council spokeswoman said: “A new long term management strategy for Blakes Walk to manage both the Lombardy poplars and the lime trees has been agreed between the county council, the developers and the Blakes Walk Tree Specialist Group.

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“In the interests of maintaining the trees in the most desirable form and bringing the avenue in to regular management as soon as possible, the trees on the east side of Blakes Walk will be pruned in February. The trees on the western side will be pruned next winter.”

The county council originally said that the work was necessary because the trees are “impacting on the Lime trees they were grown to protect and to the footway which is becoming hazardous due to the Poplar roots growing underneath it”.

The proposals were met with a fierce response from residents who launched a petition to stop the trees being felled. The petition was launched by Lewes resident Fraser Addecott.