A suspect has been arrested over the illegal felling of more than 130 protected oaks at a popular London beauty spot in what locals have dubbed a ‘tree massacre’.
A man in his 30s was held after police were called to the field next to Cator Park in Beckenham, south east London, when local residents saw dozens of mainly self-seeded oaks being chopped down by workmen with chainsaws.
Angry conservationists branded the destruction as a ‘tree massacre’ and have tied black ribbons to railings around the field.
The trees were felled last Saturday morning despite them being covered by a Tree Protection Order (TPO), which only came into force three days earlier.
The first the local residents knew of the destruction was when they heard the sound of chainsaws coming from woodland next to Cator Park, which is popular with dog walkers and bird watchers.
Workmen felled more than 130 protected trees in a field next to Cator Park in Beckenham, south east London
The trees were felled last Saturday morning despite them being covered by a Tree Protection Order (TPO), which only came into force three days earlier
Witnesses claimed the workmen – who were not believed to be using any safety equipment – posted guards on the entrance gate to prevent anyone intervening and their behaviour was threatening.
Police were called and they warned the workmen to stop but the felling resumed when officers left the scene.
It was only after police returned that the destruction was halted.
A man in his thirties was arrested and cutting equipment seized.
Locals even blocked a low loader from trying to access the site through the public park by blocking the route with a car.
The land – which is a haven for wildlife including bats, woodpeckers and kingfishers – is privately owned and was purchased by its current owners – registered to a firm based in Singapore – for £10,000 in 2013.
But it is also designated as Metropolitan Open Land by Bromley Council, giving it the same status as ‘green belt’ land.
Conservationists said a Tree Protection Order (TPO) had been granted on the site after a number of trees were felled weeks earlier.
Michael Shilling, who lives near the scene, said: ‘It is awful – someone used the word ‘massacre’ and that is what best describes it.
‘Bulldozers were stopped from entering the site by the police after local residents raised the alarm.
‘There was a rumour that someone wanted to turn it into some kind of sports field, but the area is very popular with local people walking their dogs, and is also popular with birdwatchers too.’
A spokesman for Bromley Council said: ‘We are aware of this very sad incident, which can only be described as environmental destruction, where protected trees have been destroyed.
‘This was a thriving young woodland that was valued by many locally and we are now investigating what has happened here.
Angry conservationists branded the destruction as a ‘tree massacre’ and have left notes calling the area a ‘crime scene’
The first the local residents knew of the destruction was when they heard the sound of chainsaws on Saturday morning
‘This is a serious matter, with anyone who is found guilty of committing an offence which contravenes Section 210 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 being fined up to £20,000 at a Magistrates Court or an unlimited fine at Crown Court.’
The spokesman added: ‘We are grateful to local residents who have already come forward to help with that investigation, which is at its early stages.’
Many of the 131 trees felled were around 20 to 25 years old.
The local community are now investigating ways to better protect the site.
Conservation charity CPRE London has contacted Bromley Council, the Forestry Commission and Environment Agency to establish what laws and regulations have been broken.
The land is privately owned and was purchased by its current owners – registered to a firm based in Singapore – for £10,000 in 2013
Anna Taylor, the charity’s director, said: ‘This is a devastating attack on our environment, biodiversity and frankly, the community.
‘It is a much-loved area, and is normally a very tranquil space, set back from the road, where people go to spend a bit of time away from it all.
‘Tragically, the TPO didn’t deter the crew from felling these protected trees. It will take decades to restore.’
She added: ‘Occasionally, developers try to get Metropolitan Open Land released from its protective status.
‘This is only allowed in exceptional circumstances and with permission from the Council and Mayor of London.
‘It is extraordinarily unlikely this site would have ever been de-designated given its natural richness and lack of road access.
‘This eco-atrocity will also now harden the view of the authorities against any such approach.’
Police were called and they warned the workmen to stop but the felling resumed when officers left the scene. It was only after police returned that the destruction was halted
A Met Police spokesman said: ‘Police were called on the morning of Saturday June 10 to Cator Park, Beckenham, over a dispute relating to the felling of trees that were alleged to be under a protective order.
‘Officers responded and spoke to a man, aged in his 30s, advising work to cease.
‘Officers returned after they were informed that the felling had continued.
‘One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into custody. He was later released on bail.
‘A number of items of tree felling equipment were seized.’
Earlier this year a council leader in Plymouth quit after ordering the felling of 110 healthy trees under cover of darkness.
Richard Bingley, who signed an executive order for Plymouth City Council to press ahead with the felling, had been due to face a vote of no confidence.
Tudor Evans, the council’s new leader, this week called for an end to legal action over the felling and said it was time to ‘move on’.
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