SURGERY IN PROSPECT FOR TROUBLESOME TREES IN IMMINGHAM CHURCHYARD

 

Don't stand so close to me! This tree is too close to the church for comfort 

AN appointment with the tree surgeon beckons for St Andrew's Church in Immingham.

One tree in the churchyard is due to be felled and others are to be heavily trimmed.

North East Lincolnshire Council has approved  the works following an application by the Rev Julie Donn via town clerk Andy Hopkins.

Among the trees to be affected will be an ash tree by the walkway close to Stainfield Gardens.

Their branches are growing over not just the walkway but also some houses and overhead BT cables.

Also to have its branches lopped will be a cherry tree to the east of the church because of fears they might soon risk damaging the fabric of the church.

But the main victim will be another cherry, this time to the north of the church.

It has been earmarked for felling because its roots are causing disturbance to surrounding graves.

NELC's trees officer, Paul Chaplin, has no objections to the proposed works subject to a replacement tree - a variegated holly - being planted.

Set to be chopped - this tree's roots are disturbing graves

                                       

Some 800 years old, the handsome church  is Grade I Listed

The Grimsby News says: Given their importance to songbirds and other wildlife, it is always sad to see trees and shrubs in God’s acre fall victim to the chainsaw. However, in these circumstances, there seems to have been no alternative. Even so, it is disappointing that little thought seems to have been given, either by the church or by the council, to  compensating for the loss of biodiversity. Planting a holly bush as a replacement is better than nothing, but perhaps consideration might now also be  given to planting a few additional wildlife-friendly shrubs and/or to installing a nestbox or two.