Trees destroyed at Lancaster beauty spot just weeks after it was given protected status

An investigation has been launched after a developer is understood to have chopped down trees at Freeman's Wood in Lancaster.
Trees were chopped down on the boundary of Freeman's Wood.Trees were chopped down on the boundary of Freeman's Wood.
Trees were chopped down on the boundary of Freeman's Wood.

Campaigners say they are shocked by the destruction at the site on the border of Freeman's Wood, off St George's Quay, and the Luneside Industrial Estate.

Lancaster City Council said it had launched an investigation in order to establish whether the trees form part of the protected boundary, but also added that developers have been advised that the earth moving works and creation of a track do not have the necessary planning permission.

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Freeman's Wood was officially given Town Green Status in February following a years long campaign by The Friends of Freeman's Wood group and residents.But residents in the Marsh area of the city reported seeing bulldozers ripping out trees and shrubs on the boundary between Freeman’s Wood and the part of the industrial estate owned by Hurstwood Holdings, on April 24.

Lancaster City Council has launched an investigation into the removal of trees and shrubs.Lancaster City Council has launched an investigation into the removal of trees and shrubs.
Lancaster City Council has launched an investigation into the removal of trees and shrubs.

Former Lancaster City Councillor Jon Barry, who successfully led the campaign to secure Freeman’s Woods Town Green status, said he is upset that this clearance work has impinged on the boundary of the woodland.

He said: “The destruction of dozens of trees and shrubs on the Freeman’s Wood boundary is mindless vandalism.

"It looks like the clearance work has affected trees which were covered by tree preservation orders and has encroached on the Town Green boundary too.

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"It is especially upsetting that this demolition of wildlife habitat has taken place during the bird-nesting season.

Jon Barry, who successfully campaigned to designate Freeman's Wood in Lancaster  as a Town Green.Jon Barry, who successfully campaigned to designate Freeman's Wood in Lancaster  as a Town Green.
Jon Barry, who successfully campaigned to designate Freeman's Wood in Lancaster as a Town Green.

"Many breeding birds will have been adversely affected, as will hedgehogs, deer, foxes and other animals that use the wood.”

Mandy Bannon, Lancaster City Coun for Marsh Ward, said: “I was shocked to find out about the tree destruction and contacted City Council Planning Officers straight away.

"They asked the developers to cease work, but the clearance continued despite this.

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"A track has now been created along the boundary, and the removal of trees is clear to see.

"It’s heart-breaking - especially when the local community has worked so hard to protect this woodland as a natural green space.”

A spokesperson for Lancaster City Council said: “Following complaints to the Council regarding damage and removal of trees, immediate contact was made with the developer, and a meeting has now taken place.

"“They [the developers] have been advised that the earth moving works and creation of a track do not have the necessary planning permission, and a full investigation [by the City Council] is taking place in respect of the removal and damage to trees in the area of the boundary between Freeman’s Wood and Lune Industrial Estate. It has been advised that any further works are now at their own risk.”

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“Council officers are investigating a number of matters at this site including whether the trees that have been removed fall within the protected boundary”.

Jon Barry added: “I hope that appropriate action will be taken against the perpetrators of this tree destruction. Many of these trees were protected and all were a vital habitat for wildlife. The Council needs to send a clear message to developers that barbaric behaviour of this kind won’t be tolerated.”

Hurstwood Holdings has been contacted for comment.