It's NOT Just About The Trees

With the widening proposal of Hatchet Road for the Metrobus, the trees and hedgerow will have to be removed.

The trees that South Glos council propose to destroy on The Royals park on Hatchet Road are not old. They are not mature Oaks or Elms. However, they are important.

They are home to much wildlife. They create the attraction of birds to the area which give beautiful birdsong.

Along with the hedgerow, they are shelters for hedgehogs, foxes, mice and bugs.

The trees absorb sound. Those noisy lorries and buses (yes buses!) that choke diesel noise down Hatchet Road, those trees absorb the sound not only for the properties adjacent to the road, but for most of the people of the Royals and Mead Park housing areas. (Think about the noise increase through all of Stoke Gifford when the council took out the mature trees along the ring road – go and have a listen to the hum today).

The properties that back onto Hatchet Road will have an increase in noise and pollution that the trees shelter them from today.

So it’s not just about the trees, all 70+ of them and the hedgerow. It’s about the atmosphere and protection and homes they provide.

And besides what will look nicer, a two lane road with a tree lined avenue, or a three/four lane road with metal fencing and saplings wrapped in plastic for many years to come?

#Metrobus #trees #birdsong #hedgehogs #noise #pollution #ringroad #foxes #lorries