Work at Pocket Park, Roopers, Thursday 29th February
Speldhurst Parish Council
Thursday, 29 February 2024
Today our Tree Surgeon is clearing more Cherry Laurel from Pocket Park in Roopers. Here is some more information:
- We are trying to encourage biodiversity in Pocket Park, which stands a better chance when non-native, invasive species like Laurel are cleared from the area. A fast-spreading species, the Laurel is taking goodness from the soil, which is detrimental to the other trees.
- The Laurel shades large areas of this small park so grass/flowers can't grow; we want to help this grassland recover.
- Laurel leaves and seeds are poisonous - we have never found any insect larvae feeding in them, unlike Hazel or other native trees.
- Although Laurel gives cover for birds in winter, the area around Pocket Park already has many evergreen trees and plants that do this.
- We' are doing this work now before nesting season. Today, our Tree Surgeon will also prune some holly trees and have a general tidy-up.
- While the park might initially look bare without the Laurels, we will plant replacement trees that are native-to-the-area, and new hedging later this year.
We are grateful to have received funding from the High Weald Partnership for this work. Many thanks to Alan Ford for his ongoing advice, too.
If you would like to know more about our plans for Pocket Park, do get in touch.
Contact Information
Katie Neve - clerk@speldhurstparishcouncil.gov.uk
- 01892 862927
- 07760 769513
Find Speldhurst Parish Council
Langton Green Recreation Ground, Speldhurst Road, Speldhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0JJ