|
Tree Management Plan
for Ilex Avenue
1. The Avenue.
The Avenue commences at the Mulberry Inn, at Sea Lane, Goring, (TQ-111026) and stretches westward to Sea Lane Ferring (TQ-097026)
The Avenue has been designated Bridleway No 3111 over its entire length by West Sussex County Council (WSCC).
The Avenue is managed by WBC since its conveyance under trust in 1935.
The majority of the Avenue up to the Arun D.C's and Ferring P.C's boundary was designated a Conservation Area in 1997 by WBC.
2. Background History
Approximately 450 Holm Oaks (Quercus Ilex) were planted in about 1840 by David Lyon. They formed part of the Goring Hall estate, and ornamental gates existed at both ends until about 1940 when they were removed as part of the war effort. The main entrance was at the existing lodge gate piers at the end of Goring Street opposite the Bull Inn.
In 1935 the majority of the Avenue was conveyed in trust by the then owners Hesketh Estates to WBC the then town council, for the quiet enjoyment of the public in perpetuity.
Very little is known concerning the management of the Avenue until recent past. In 1983, arising from severe storm damage, many of the trees underwent significant tree surgery. It was at that stage that local residents, recognising the importance and value of the Avenue formed the Ilex Group to conserve the present and future character of the Avenue.
Since that time, informal liaison has been developed to ensure that the future of the Avenue is safeguarded for posterity.
Because of financial and practical constraints, current management has been largely devoted to emergency measures dictated by the need to protect public safety.
Following the 1983, 1987, and 1990 storm damage, a number of trees were planted and with some exceptions are becoming established.
However, in spite of routing annual inspection, a number of mature trees have sustained major structural defects. These have been the subject of varying degrees of tree surgery.
It is now acknowledged that there is a prime need to put in place a plan to manage the trees on a systematic, cost-effective basis.
3. Objective
To ensure the future of the Avenue for posterity, taking account of the :
1) spirit and meaning of its history,
2) visual and recreational amenity,
3) current and future health of the trees,
4) incorporation of the best arboriculture practices,
5) need to ensure reasonable public safety,
6) need to enhance the ecological benefits for wildlife,
7) financial resources allocated.
4. Statements of Principles
1. No tree shall be removed unless there are compelling safety reasons for doing so.
2. At all times consideration should be given to the visual appearance of the trees, considered as an avenue, and as viewed by the neighbouring residents.
3. Every tree should be inspected visually at least once each year.
4. Pruning should be undertaken on a regular basis.
5. Trees shall be regularly pruned so as to reduce the weight of the crown where fungal brackets are present or a dangerous cavity has developed, or other problems occur.
6. A combination of crown thinning and/or crown reduction shall be carried out where pruning is necessary to accord with the form of previously pruned trees.
7. To conserve the avenue as a landscape feature in the longer term, young Quercus ilex (ilex oak) trees shall be planted as replacements for felled trees and where other gaps in the avenue occur. Consideration shall be given to the replacement of other species in the avenue, i.e., Castanea sativa (sweet chestnut) and Pinus nigra var maritima (Corsican pine) as they are removed to retain some of the slight species variation in the avenue.
8. Young holm oak trees should be planted to fill gaps which have or are likely to occur in the Avenue
9. Young trees should be encouraged to grow to their full potential by judicious pruning of adjacent trees, and by pruning to improve growth and the shape of the young trees.
10. Due regard should be taken of the season when pruning is undertaken, avoiding the time when new leaves are forming (April/May) and when leaves are about to fall (Sept/October)
11. Epicormic and sucker growth from mature tree bases can be removed periodically to enhance the view of the boles in amenity terms and to facilitate health checks.
12. The avenue shall be maintained in accordance with the Highways Acts where these lie adjacent to the avenue in consultation with the Highway Authority, West Sussex County Council to ensure adequate highway clearances and sight lines.
| 
