Trees

From its earliest days, Colchester Civic Society recognised the need to both protect our trees and to plant more. Under the chairmanship of the extraordinary and indefatigable Dr Nora Johns, the Society’s Tree Group carried out a survey of every tree over 30 feet tall in the town, recording species and condition. This survey was used as a basis for tree preservation orders and therefore protected many of our finest trees. An early challenge for the Society was the plan to build a huge housing estate at High Woods, involving the loss of both ancient woodland and grassland. The Society joined others to object, saving much of the area from development (now the Country Park) and ensuring the retention of many mature trees within the housing scheme. The Tree Group also embarked on a substantial tree planting programme, planting notably around Jumbo and the Mercury Theatre, on Kings Meadow, in St Nicholas Churchyard, at East Bay and North Station. Sadly, many of those trees have been lost due to building and regeneration but some survive. Later the Society contributed to major projects such as Charter Wood, where the children and grandchildren of Civic Society members planted a considerable number of trees. The Society now plants individual trees, often replacing ones that have died. For example, we replaced the huge horse chestnut beside Southway House that had reached the end of its days with a more fume resistant plane tree. The tree commemorated Jean Lamb, a long serving member of our Civic Society Committee. Unfortunately, this tree was so badly damaged in a storm that it had to be felled and the Society has now planted another. Hopefully, this one will flourish. We replaced a dead tree in the Priory grounds with a lime, filling a gap in the line of trees planted to screen the peaceful lawns from the railway line. The Millennium Oak in the Castle Park was planted as a result of a request by a Civic Society member. An oak tree was recently planted on Kings Meadow to commemorate Alderman Ken Cooke, a past Chair of the Civic Society and former Mayor of Colchester. The Society monitors planning applications and reacts if there are concerns about an impact upon valuable trees. It will also step in if it becomes aware of threats to trees covered by preservation orders.

Although Essex Highways plant trees beside major roads – there has been a sizeable planting scheme for the new roads in Myland, for example – they no longer routinely undertake the planting, or even replacement, of trees in residential streets, something that Colchester Civic Society deeply regrets. This, they say, is due to financial constraints. County Highways may be prepared to commission the replacement of dead and damaged trees where action has been specifically requested, but this is now very rare.  Tree pruning is still carried out, but only where specifically requested.

Essex Highways have provided us with this statement: 

“The priority for Essex Highways is to ensure that existing trees are maintained and do not pose a threat to the public. This means that new planting or re-planting trees is not routinely undertaken by Essex Highways. 

However, tree planting can be requested and considered in conjunction with the Essex Forest Initiative, and more details can be obtained via the website; link provided below.” 

The Essex Forest Initiative | Essex County Council

Requests for tree replacements and pruning will however still need to be made directly to Essex County Highways via their Portal. Here is a link Tell us – Essex County Council     But be prepared to follow this up by enlisting the help of the county councillor for the ward in which the request is located.

To clarify, Colchester City Council are responsible for the management of trees within our Parks, Countryside, and Open Spaces, including those on land managed by Colchester Borough Homes. But they are not responsible for the management or maintenance of trees situated within grass verges or pavements that are part of the public highway. If you wish to report an issue with a highway tree, please use the link to Essex Highways.

The Society will continue to monitor this situation and take every opportunity to encourage tree planting (and ongoing maintenance) of trees in the public realm, be it by councils or developers.