A whole stand of mature trees have been removed from Beckenham Place Park, leaving a large area that is deficient in plant cover for birds and wildlife.
The Council said that . "Around 80 trees will be taken down because they are dead or diseased. Some areas of scrub and undergrowth within the parkland will be removed to improve sightlines and views across the parkland and to the key heritage buildings. This will enhance the feeling of space and openness which is so valued by many park users. Other trees will be removed within clumps to allow the most mature specimens to flourish. This thinning is an important part of normal tree maintenance. Some of the planting that is associated with the golf course will be removed, just as the bunkers and tees will also be removed. These trees were planted in the 1990s, are relatively young and offer little habitat value. Lewisham Council say they are restoring the 18th century lake for heritage and ecological reasons. The lake was created by John Cator who owned and lived in the Mansion House in the late 1700s. Beckenham Place Park is a largest green space in Lewisham. It is located near Beckenham in the London Borough of Lewisham. It lies close to the border with London Borough of Bromley. It includes a recently closed (31 Oct 2016)[1] 18-hole public (municipal) golf course. The Palladian-style mansion that gave the park its name now serves as a community centre and café. Beckenham Place Park is considered one of the finest wildlife sites in the borough, containing ancient woodland as well as a variety of other habitats. Notable trees include oak, wild service tree, sweet chestnut and an ancient Turkey oak tree (reputedly the second oldest in Britain), that survived an arson attack in the 1990s but succumbed to wind, old age and vandalism in 2002. There is also an old mulberry tree near the 18th hole of the golf course. It is a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation. It is also part of the Green Chain Walk and Capital Ring.
Size: 5616px × 3744px
Location: Beckenham Place Park
Photo credit: © John Gaffen / Alamy / Afripics
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