As it was.
Further to our story about B&NES giving away saplings as part of their drive to plant 100,000 trees in the authority’s area by May, Sue Whitaker writes:
“It seems ironic that B&NES is hosting a tree giveaway to “increase urban tree canopy cover” when only last month they removed the entire canopy of both trees at the entrance to the Mortuary Chapel in Walcot Gate – see before and after below.

It is true that the tree on the right was afflicted by fungus so probably did need some attention but the one on the left was healthy and magnificent.
Unlike private citizens, the council does not need to apply for planning permission for tree work in a conservation area so the local community was not forewarned nor had the opportunity to comment.
Wild Walcot, responsible for the community garden by the Cattle Market, is undertaking a new project to create a perennial wildflower meadow in the burial ground surrounding the chapel.
Our next session is on Saturday 25 March @ 11.00 so anyone who would like to help out or just drop by to enjoy this peaceful space would be welcome.
Keep up your good work! “