Felling of trees in Midhurst

Joanna Dunn’s letter dated 21st May asks if the district council and South Downs National Park concur with the destruction of mature trees in Midhurst.

Joanna compares the mature tree-lined boulevards in the city of Nottingham where she now lives with her memory of glorious mature trees in and around Midhurst now in danger of being lost.

A ‘hurst’ is a ‘wood’ and ‘Midhurst’ the place name for being located in the very midst of woodland greenery.

She writes: “I increasingly despair when I visit my home in what was once the most wooded county in England and see the general ruination and disregard for ecology and wildlife,” adding: “When I was growing up in Midhurst, the Cowdray Estates seemed to manage their land sympathetically and the town and surrounding area was wooded and green and natural.

“Now it seems increasingly ‘suburban’ with anything natural and wild seen as a problem or threat to be ‘dealt with’.”

I understand large private landowners have ultimate power and authority in deciding the fate of trees on its land.

The district council and South Downs National Park can advise but cannot prevent the destruction of trees beyond its jurisdiction.

District councillor Gordon Mcara (Opinion, May 28) ‘takes the lady to task’ in