300-year-old trees to be cut back at Stanmer

Trees at Stanmer, including some thought to be older than 300 years old, are to be cut back after inspections found they could be dangerous.

Several of the trees behind Stanmer House will need to cut back, fenced off or treated – and a small number may have to be felled.

Inspections by Brighton and Hove City Council’s arboriculture team found significant issues which could mean heavy branches falling onto people below if nothing was done.

One of the cedar trees is showing signs of decay and lost limbs and sits next to a busy path.

The work will see this tree cut back, but remain as a home for hole-nesting bird species, such as great spotted woodpeckers.

A group of three cedars nearby, two of which are in serious decline, will be fenced off with mulch spread at their bases to help them retain water.

Two further groups of cedar trees will also be mulched.

Two more trees, an ash and a poplar, are dying and will either need to be felled or reduced to large stumps which can be used by wildlife to nest.

Councillor Alan Robins, cabinet member responsible for parks, said: “It’s important this work takes place to keep visitors to Stanmer Park safe from harm.

“Unfortunately the risk of large limbs falling from these trees is too great to ignore.

“Thankfully, tree felling is being kept to a minimum and in most cases we’ll be able to keep trunks or stumps as a home for local wildlife.

“Stanmer Park is a city gem. A place where thousands of trees and animal species can thrive, but it’s vital we keep it safe for everyone who visits and enjoys the park every day.”