2 APRIL 2007: SPECIALIST tree work is being undertaken in over 30 acres of open space and woodland in Scriven near Knaresborough which has been bequeathed by Miss Winifred Jacob Smith to become a public park for the enjoyment of local residents and visitors.

 

The Trustees, who are currently finalising the formal Transfer which will see the land handed over to Harrogate Borough Council, have commissioned the council's Parks and Arboricultural Teams to carry out this work on the grounds of health and safety and well in advance of the park being opened to the public. 

 

Staff from the council's Arboricultural Section have now surveyed over 250 trees and a specialist contractor has been appointed to undertake the work which will involve the felling of a small number of dangerous trees identified at the site, as well as the removal of deadwood and low hanging branches from other trees.

 

Work started on Monday 2 April and the project is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete.

 

Paul. Casey, Harrogate Council's Arboricultural Manager, who will manage the project confirms that care will be taken to protect the local habitat.  He said: "All felled trees will be cut up on site and stacked away from footpaths.  All mulch will be spread into the undergrowth and, in the further interests of the local ecology, no tree debris will be removed from the site.

 

"We have also identified some veteran Oak trees which will be retained in their current and natural forms.  And to ensure their long term protected future, we are to install wooden fencing around their bases.  We will be posting notices to tell visitors of their importance in the local landscape and how the trees are to be managed and cared for.  This fencing work will be undertaken at a later date and once all other tree works have been completed."  ENDS