PROTEST: the Barmpton Beech stands guard over part of a gathering, last year, to challenge the Skerningham Garden Village scheme.
Many of you know the beech tree in the picture and possibly have not thought about her much until now. The Council and developers want her felled.
This is despite the fact that she is healthy, has a Tree Preservation Order and is old.
Skerningham Woodland Action Group (SWAG) has objected (planning application 24/00772/FULE see below).
We (all of us) saved the ancient maple along Barmpton Lane and this beech is loved just as much by the community. We can do this again and we need your help.
Please object to the Council about the felling of the Barmpton Beech. A healthy, old tree should NEVER be felled unnecessarily and the Council has a duty to look after her.
SWAG has objected to Darlington Council’s plan to chop down the beech, described as “tree number 77” on Barmpton Lane. And Lichfields, the agents for the developers, say that decision was not in their plans and isn’t needed.
They said that the Skerningham Garden Village developer, Theakston Estates Ltd, had proposed an appropriate design solution for accessing the development which did not affect the beech. “Despite this,” they say, “ the Council have identified an option that they prefer which will necessitate the removal of the tree. There is no absolute need to pursue the alternative preferred option by Darlington Council, given that the original option has been deemed suitable by the developer.”
The beech is a “Category A” tree, which means it of high quality and value and in a condition whereby it makes “a substantial contribution to the site”.
Such trees should be retained where possible, offered adequate consideration during any project’s design phase and physical protection during construction. It IS possible to retain the Barmpton beech and for the planning application to proceed with the developer’s preferred option.
According to the Royal Forestry Society a tree the diameter of the Barmpton beech — more than 70 cms — is likely to be between 110 and 160 years old.
Both the Council’s own advisers — the Elliot Consultancy and OS Ecology — said the tree should be felled, despite its age and good health. Surely their role is to advise on the condition of the tree and surrounding area and not fall in line with the Council or developer’s request regardless?
When an old tree is felled a tonne
of carbon can be released
To deem the Barmpton Beech of no value is blatantly incorrect and fails to take into account the overall ecological importance of an old tree. She will provide habitat for insects and fungi and the nuts she produces are an important food source for wildlife.
She has a TPO because she meets the criteria of public amenity value, being very large and very visible and almost standing guard at the head of Barmpton Lane.
This particular tree is much loved by the local community.
Old hedgerows and trees are vital ecological and agricultural infrastructure, acting as "wildlife superhighways" that support biodiversity, protect soil and mitigate climate change. They are considered one of the most important wildlife habitats in the UK, often holding significant historical value. Newly planted trees and hedgerows do not compare with established ones because they lack developed root systems, structural density and the complex ecosystem connections necessary to provide immediate, high-level environmental benefits in the short term.
A 100-year-old beech tree is a mature, high-value carbon sink. While exact figures vary based on growing conditions, a single mature, 100-year-old beech tree has typically captured and stored over 1,000 kg (1 tonne) of CO2 in her lifetime.
When an old tree is felled, some of that carbon will be released back into the atmosphere.
We think it's safe to say that the benefits of the “garden village” development do not outweigh the existence of a 100-year-old tree that the Council has deemed should be protected by a TPO. And the significant net increase in new trees will not equate to an increase in carbon sequestration of an older tree, nor the value to invertebrate life.
She has rooted and settled and is standing proud at the head of Barmpton Lane. She is the Barmpton Beech and we need to protect her!
To submit an objection to the felling of this beautiful tree, email planning@darlington.gov.uk quoting planning application no: 24/00772/FULE. And don't forget to include your address in the email.
