A whole row of council-permitted trees has been cut down despite an agreement between the council and the planters.

Sally Reynolds, secretary of Abingdon Carbon Cutters, said: “It’s shocking.

"We don’t understand why this has been allowed to happen. Whoever did it must have been able to see the trees because they had four-foot guards on them.”

The environmental group had applied for permission with Vale of White Horse District Council to plant 10 Common Alder trees along the River Ock at the back of Orpwood Way, in Abingdon, last October.

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The tree planting took part by group members, who were joined by visitors from across Europe who were in Abingdon as part of a European twin town initiative.

Mrs Reynolds added: “That’s the really sad thing, it was a community effort between us and our French and Italian friends.

“They wanted to do something environmental during their trip, so they came to help us plant.

“They all helped to dig the holes, bang in the stakes, and plant, and I know they’ll be disappointed to find out what’s happened now.”

Paul Viney, who saw the wrecked trees and guards during a dog walk, said: “I was very sad to see it.

"Abingdon carbon Cutters are doing such a good job around the area. I believe it could have been avoided.”

Mrs Reynolds added how the cut down trees have left her disappointed because in the agreement with the council, it was stated Abingdon Carbon Cutters would have to replant any trees which may get damaged.

She said: “It’s another year lost now until the replanted trees will start to grow.

“You can’t plant trees in the summer, it has to be done from late October onwards. We hope to fundraise to plant some more.

“We paid for these trees with our own funds, raised by juicing apples and selling the juice. Small trees are not expensive, but time and effort were our main investments.

“It’s ironic because when this happened, on Saturday morning (July 22) there was a big group of us at D’Oyleys Farm in Stadhampton, all being shown how regenerative farming is done.

“One of the things we were told is that often on fields with really wide borders, the edges are left to grow naturally so that long grass and wildflowers can take root and give rise to greater biodiversity.

“The farmer on the site told us that this practice is not only good for the wildlife, but also improves the yield on the farm.

“We hoped our trees may have a similar effect on the field they were planted in.”

It's unclear who cut down the trees. 

A Spokesperson from Vale of White Horse District Council said:

"The land on where the damaged trees are located is leased to a tenant, who accidentally damaged the trees during general maintenance of the area.

"The council is committed to the management of trees that are located on our land and the tenant has agreed to pay to replace the trees with new saplings during the next tree planting season.

"As a council we recognise the importance of biodiversity and nature in the district and are pleased new trees will be planted."

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1