Landscape architects working for Camden Council on a redesign of Crabtree Fields public open space in Fitzrovia are proposing to cut down several trees, according to the latest plans published.
Architects DSDHA appear to be flailing about looking for things to do and have put forward a number of different suggestions for getting rid of greenery. One short-lived proposal was to cut down one of the three rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) trees, until members of the public got wind of the plans.
Undeterred, DSDHA are pressing ahead with removing a mature bay leaf tree dug in by one of the residents who helped design the park when it was created in the 1980s.
“Why?” was the response from one resident of Colville Place who remembers the tree being planted.
| Number Of Trees | 1 | |
| Sequence | 56 | |
| Scientific Name | Laurus nobilis | |
| Common Name | Bay tree | |
| Inspection Date | 12/06/2024 | |
| Inspection Due Date | 2027/2028 | |
| Height In Metres | 14 | |
| Spread In Metres | 6 | |
| Diameter In Centimetres At Breast Height | 29 | |
| Maturity | Mature | |
| Physiological Condition | Good | |
| Capital Asset Value For Amenity Trees | £8,165.48 | |
| Carbon Storage In Kilograms | 111.3 | |
| Gross Carbon Sequestration Per Year In Kilograms | 4.8 | |
| Pollution Removal Per Year In Grams | 119.3 | |
Also for the chop is one of the 12 callery pear trees that make up “the grove” or gravel area of the park.
Another resident told The Fitzrovia News that the landscape architects appear to be “trying to justify the cost of the redesign” by haphazardly removing trees.
Two other trees are slated for the chainsaw but it is not clear which ones they are as the drawings provided are not labelled. However, two new trees — of unknown species — are proposed to be planted.
The latest plans published by the designers say the new scheme will “increase planting around the perimeter of the park”, “introduce low-maintenance, shade-tolerant, and hardy planting”, “work with the existing, well-established planting”, and “encourage biodiversity through the planting of pollinator species and additional shelters and structures”.
Meanwhile, Camden Council has this week sent its contractor idverde to carry out a “punishment cut” of the greenery, removing a native wildflower bed, and trimming hedges — without waiting for the end of bird nesting season.
In their hurried blitz of the park they even took off a few branches of a cherry tree which was recently planted in memory of one of the long-time neighbours.
Have your say on the future of Crabtree Fields (before it’s too late).
Editor’s note. This article was updated on 16 August 2024 to include details of the bay tree proposed for felling.
Discover more from The Fitzrovia News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments are closed.