PLANS have been announced to remove a number of trees at a Malvern beauty spot because of health and safety concerns.
The Malvern Hills Conservators have launched a public consultation surrounding the future of Thirds Wood – also known as ‘Little Switzerland’.
It has been proposed for a number of trees in the woodland to be felled this winter so the site, which is located on the western side of the Hills between Pinnacle and Perseverance can be maintained and remain rich in wildlife for years to come.
However the exact number of trees to be felled has not yet been revealed.
The land, covering more than six acres, is owned by Malvern Hills Conservators and is part of Malvern’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It was first planted around 1860 as a commemorative planting for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
According to the Conservators’ public consultation document – available on their website – some of the trees are being proposed to be felled because they have a ‘significant lean’ over Jubilee Drive and due to a combination of the trees’ age and their ‘historical lack of management’.
Clear felling – a process that removes most or all of the trees on a piece of land has been ruled out by the Conservators but the organisation have said a ‘thinning operation’ will take place with trees being cut according to ‘poor form’ and those with structural issues.
The document says most of the trees that will be felled will be left as deadwood on the ground to provide habitat for wildlife.
Residents can have their say over the plans by attending a special consultation event on Tuesday (July 26) at the Wyche Innovation Centre, Upper Colwall starting at 7pm or by writing their views to the Malvern Hills Conservators’ head office – Manor House, Grange Road, Malvern, WR14 3EY.
Emails can be also sent to the office to [email protected].
The deadline to submit views is on July 31. More details can be found on the news section of the Conservators website at www.malvernhills.org.uk/index.aspx.
Once the plan has been finalised a felling license will be sought from the Forestry Commission.
