Hi All, Last year the local council declared its' intention to fell some 400 trees in the Whalley Range area over a period of 20 years and many residents have been involved in the campaign to stop them for several reasons. Aside from the purely environmental benefits that trees provide it has occurred to me that there may be a correlation between the absence of trees in cities and the regional crime rate. Found this: http://www.smartplanet.com/blog/smart-takes/sidewalk-trees-discourage-city-crime-study-says/12061 The study says that pavement trees discourage city crime, and as Whalley Range is prone to some occasional excesses it would seem expedient to protect them and ensure their continuing prescence as "Public GUardians"? best wishes,

As most people realise, under the right conditions and with good arboricultural management many types of trees will naturally make suitable habitats for many species of animals such as insects, fungi, ferns, mammals and birds. Therefore when a large tree is removed this has a significant negative impact on both bio-diversity and sustainable development in an environmental sense. It removes the availability of food, habitat and carbon capture. There are accounts from past observations and surveys that Whalley Range and Chorlton was frequented and colonised by many rooks, crows, magpies, wood pigeons, and a large number of other species of smaller birds (eg: Thrush, Blackbird, Jay, and Woodpecker). The whole of Manchester Road for example was bordered by large trees such as Black Poplar, Ash, Plane, Horse Chestnut and Willow. It was reported by local naturalists in the late 19th century that large colonies of rooks, crows and magpies could be seen in nests in their upper branches. At that time the outskirts of Barlow Moor Road, Wilbraham Road and Withington Road were bordered by farm fields, bogs, marshes and wasteland. When the canopy of these large trees are cut back after a few years the small growing shoots form into small, leafy crowns that provide a convenient and secure spot for birds to build their nests. Indeed, it seems the ungainly Black Poplar which the Council have been so keen to remove from the Mancunian landscape lends itself well to regular pollarding and coppicing. Of course what was removed would have been used to make house beams, fences and posts. Several examples of good tree management in the region are the central area of Woodlawn Court which is privately owned and where on its communal green space exist several mature specimens of hybrid Black Poplar which no doubt continue to serve their purpose. Of course when left neglected the Black Poplar poses a menace to urban life. However, these local specimens that are well-cared for do not exhibit ungainly lateral branches that could be a danger to public safety. Of course with the correct approach and some patience the canopy of mature trees can be lifted or lowered as required to meet the demands of any sustainable urban landscape and to encourage small mammals and birds to colonise their spreading canopies. From observations I’ve made Magpies will not nest any lower than 25 feet, crows and rooks prefer even higher points on a tree before they are happy to make their homes there. Therefore, the wise approach would be to consider how high or low the canopy should be established for any particular environmental zone, street or specific area in Whalley Range. This means that instead of removing trees altogether the council contractors could work towards lowering or lifting the canopy as desired and trimming excessive growth to a level that is more acceptable thereby encouraging habitat sites for birds. In other words they can still be involved in tree-planting to a limited extent and also be busy making good for the future our native Tree Habitats?