We are sad to announce that we have had to agree to fell the large Willow tree in the play ground. It has come to the end of its life span. Tree experts have told us it’s dangerous to keep the current one there as the trunk is losing its strength.
Unfortunately we cannot have a dangerous tree in the play ground with so many children playing underneath it. They are incredibly tempting to climb and we just can’t risk anything happening to our younger community should sudden weaknesses arise in the future.
These trees only last for around 50-70 years, having a shorter life span than many trees, but the good news is they do grow quickly. FoSC plan to replace it with another Willow as soon as we can. They can grow 10 feet a year so within a short few seasons, we hope to have to soft shade covering us throughout the summer months again.
Be assured there are no plans to destroy any healthy trees and FoSC is constantly looking at the future conservation and planning of trees on the common.
Can you make sure Lambeth Council plant a replacement willow tree immediately please. It would also be nice if they could fill the gaps all over Streatham where mature trees have been felled and not been replaced, preferably with like for like species to fit in with current (tree) neighbours, or superior species such as the Lebanese Cedar. One such example is at the top of the common adjacent to the paddling pool where there are a number of dead trunks but no replacement trees.
It would also be good if they could stop severely pruning mature trees too.
Best wishes
Damian Geddes
Thanks for your concern Damian.
We are already speaking with the council regards planting a a new Willow. I also love the Lebanese Cedar but these trees don’t like wet soil and grow very slowly so sadly aren’t suitable for the bottom of the common. You’ll be pleased to know we are also looking at planting more trees around the edge of the common, this is a long term plan but we hope to start next year assuming we have the funds.
The trunks that have been placed near the paddling pool are there to discourage travellers from driving onto the Common. They also promote insect life which in turn encourages other wild life on the Common. If you could contact me about the location of the trees that have been severely pruned then I’ll be happy to look into that for you.
Mike Robinson
(Chairman) Friends of Streatham Common