Forum Topic

Tree felling on Thames Path at Putney

Does anyone know why quite so many trees have been felled along the Thames Path next to Putney Embankment?  Whilst it is nice to see some light, it does seem to have been a very brutal cull.Apologies if this has already been answered elsewhere ... I searched the archive but couldn't find anything posted.Thanks

Jo L Mercer ● 3890d39 Comments

Try the thread "Cut down trees along river" on the next page. All is explained there.

Catherine Schade ● 3890d

Thank you.  Will check it out now :)

Jo L Mercer ● 3890d

I am also very perturbed about this issue. I've contacted the PLA who are responsible for the river environment to enquire what's going on. I was told by a 'customer services' person that the trees were damaging the revetment and had to be felled. When I asked why this situation had been allowed to develop over the last 50 years there was no explanation. When I asked why some trees, in that case, had been left there was again no answer. When I enquired about the removal of stumps remaining and when, there was, once again, no answer. I pointed out that if the stumps were left they would rot, disintegrate and leave large holes in the bank where water to erode further. I also pointed out that I was under the impression that tree roots actually held river banks together and were an essential barrier against erosion. Additionally, the trees encouraged wildlife. It appears there are no plans as yet to remove the stumps and repair the resulting holes.Apparently this cutting was done as a prelim to continuing the destruction further along the towpath to Barnes. Since this conversation, I have discovered that the work was paid for by Fulham football club. Which is very odd as responsibility lies with the PLA. It appesrs a deal has been made whereby to enable Fulham to expand the stadium, opposition from the sailing club and others on the Putney side of the river has been averted by fulham agreeing to pay for the trees to be cut - apparently on the grounds that they 'interfere with sailor's wind and might fall on boats and rowers'. Methinks some rather dodgy dealings going on here. And the result looks appalling. This may run and run...

anthony hannaford ● 3890d

I was at the PLA meeting a couple of weeks ago at which these works were discussed. I believe that the trees which have been left are the Black Poplars which are quite rare. I thought - and I may be wrong - that we were told that Fulham Football Club were for tree work on their side of the river. The sailing clubs are actually much more concerned about the effects on the wind of the new stadium itself. The other matter which was mentioned is the need to be able to rescue people who fall into the river. Apparently one of the men cutting the trees fell in and they had difficulty fishing him out.Can't remember whether they said that they are going to repair the revetments - I hope so.

Caroline Whitehead ● 3890d

Sorry - add 'paying for'

Caroline Whitehead ● 3890d

Catherine Whitow ● 3890d

I managed to stop the tree surgeons mid work for 24 hours on February 10th in order to make some enquiries having been appalled by felling of 95% of mature, mostly undiseased trees (according to the tree surgeon's report) along the river side of the tow path.The exposed  stumps have subsequently been poisoned As has already been mentioned,Fulham Football Club financed the works with PLA permission  and the knowledge of  Richmond Borough Council,local rowing and sailing clubs ,a local environmental organisation    ( ?who)and Zac Goldsmiths office,though they still haven't responded to calls so we can't confirm this. No public notices were displayed at any point either in the press or anywhere along the tow path.The felling ,creating a barren landscape has already reached Queen Elizabeth walk and I understand that felling further  along the river is planned in the future.The reasons given are a nonsense. The revenants,once the poisoned tree stumps have shrunk ,will crumble. Will Fulham Football Club pay to have the walls replaced,I think not.Flooding will now be a problem with no large trees to take up the excess river water at high tide.I wonder, have rowers and sailors truly been troubled by the trees and if so,why could we not have pollarded the over hanging branches?Those trees have taken 100 years to grow in some cases ,how sad is it that in the space of one day we can wipe out part of our lovely landscape.

Catherine Whitow ● 3890d

I am also hearing that Fulham Football Club financed this operation to help things along with their proposed extension.  As they are in a different borough, I wonder how this works?

Bunny Payne ● 3889d

Why has Fulham FC been so generous in paying for the tree 'works' on the south bank of the river in Putney and Barnes?  I think the answer is money talks.  Perhaps appearing to be public spirited there will be less opposition to their proposals to extend their stadium.

Victoria Richardson ● 3888d

Bunny - Fulham Football Club is in Hammersmith and Fulham

Lucille Grant ● 3888d

I'm sure you are right Victoria but how long will they leave it before the submit a new set of plans?

Catherine Whitow ● 3888d

Yes, my point. Aren't the trees the responsibility of Wandsworth?  Is this WBC getting something for nothing again and making deals without the knowledge of residents?  What's it got to do with Fulham Football Club?

Bunny Payne ● 3887d

No, the relevant bit of the border of Wandsworth Borough is Beverley Brook at the end of Putney Embankment. From then on it's Richmond Borough.None of the towpath with trees on is part of Wandsworth Borough.Here's a map that shows the boundaries:- https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/51906#map=17/51.47136/-0.22205

Alex Greenbank ● 3887d

Bang goes another conspiracy theory! Funny how when people don't like something like this it has to be down to corruption of some sort. I happen to think it's a great improvement. You can actually see the river better plus it'll be fantastic for viewing the boat race. By the way, regarding the stumps, if you care to look closely you'll see there are plastic plugs that cap holes that have been drilled into them. This is where stump killer chemicals have been added.

Dave Roberts ● 3887d

I think the point about tree-roots preventing bank erosion would apply where the bank is simply earth, as it is much further upstream on the Thames (out of London).However, on the stretch in question there are stone revetments. It's these which the tree-roots have a tendency to break up over time. Eventually you end up with a situation where individual blocks of the revetment are pushed loose and tumble into the river. Once there are gaps, the revetment is of course much more vulnerable to erosion by the river.I'm of the view that there's not really a conspiracy here, or indeed incompetence.

James Elder ● 3887d

Not corruption, but Fulham FC's contributions to the cost of the tree work (for whichever borough council) are part of the negotiations to help smooth over the objections to the new stand regarding how it would affect the wind. I'm sure some people will read that as a form of a bribe and others will just see it as how business gets done.I think the biggest positive aspect of the redevelopment work at Craven Cottage is that the new Riverside Stand design provides pedestrian riverside access past the stadium (currently you have to walk the long way  round the stadium to walk along the river). This will make a huge difference to that area.

Alex Greenbank ● 3886d

It would seem there are a variety of reasons why the trees along the river footpath are being cut down, and they can't all be right. If the trees are being felled to alleviate adverse winds affecting sailing opposite Fulham Football Ground then why are the trees on the south side of the pathway being left alone? If the trees are being felled to reduce root damage to the embankment then why are some of them being left untouched? Whatever the true reason may be the amenity of the river walkway has been dramatically improved and with the boat race in the not too distant future a substantial length of riverside has been opened up for the benefit of the crowds. All-in-all a great piece of work that is to be congratulated whoever instigated it and for whatever the true reason. Well done.

Clifford Cowell ● 3885d

I heard that the trees that have been kept area a rare species.

Dave Roberts ● 3885d

Yes they are the native Black Poplars. I have been in touch with the dept at the PLA which is responsible for the tree work and have asked if they would send a statement for SW15 explaining why they have carried out the work. Actually it is all quite complicated and I think that they should have realised that what they have done, however justified, would be very upsetting for many of us. I will follow it up as have not heard back yet.

Caroline Whitehead ● 3884d

Below is the reply that James Trimmer at the PLA has sent out to anyone who commented. Went out today I think (I saw it indirectly).I must say personally, as a former rowing cox and as a runner who uses the towpath, I'm supportive of the work that's been done:"On behalf of the PLA, may I thank you for submitting representations – both for and against – the PLA’s tree works on the towpath between Beverley Brook and Kew.  It is vital that the PLA liaise with all stakeholder groups, particularly river users, on this issue. The PLA intends to continue the implementation of the Tree and Vegetation Management Plan it consulted on and subsequently adopted in 2009 and revised in 2012.  The plan was prepared (following a survey of all trees and tree groups) for the PLA by its retained consultant arboriculturists.  Since 2009, all works throughout the 8km extent of PLA owned towpath have been undertaken strictly in accordance with the plan’s recommendations.  The key parameters of the adopted Management Plan are to: - ·        remove and/or manage any diseased or damaged trees;·        remove and/or manage any trees impeding navigation of the river by all users including rowers, sailors and kayakers;·        remove and/or manage any trees endangering or likely to present a hazard to either users of the towpath or river users;·        protect the stone revetment wall that forms the embankment and, in places, the flood defence from damage from self seeded trees; and·        improve the environment for - and the longevity of - specimen and native trees found in the area, most particularly the Native Black Poplars; the towpath supports a significant proportion of the UK biodiversity of this important species. The PLA looks forward to continuing working with you on this important matter. Best wishes Jim"

James Elder ● 3883d

Thank you James. This is a full explanation as to why the work was needed. However I have asked Mr Trimmer also to explain why Fulham Football Club paid for the work. I believe that it is to do with conditions in the planning agreement as a 'mitigation' for the effect the bulk of the new stadium will have on sailing on the river.

Caroline Whitehead ● 3883d

Catherine, what s load of rubbish you're spouting about " no large Trees to take the excess River water"I think it's s vast improvement when you can actually SEE the River!

Vic Condon ● 3881d

I can't see why Fulham FC are erecting a new Stand, they could be relegated at the end of the Season!

Vic Condon ● 3881d

Aaarrrgggghhhhh!!!

Sue Hammond ● 3881d

Just who  wants to look across the river at this point - certainly not me and its always full of rubbish after an event!

Lynne McNulty ● 3876d

We  get some real Numpties on this Site!See previous Posting!!

Vic Condon ● 3876d

How rude.

Sue Hammond ● 3876d

Sorry for any offence!Rude but true!

Vic Condon ● 3876d

I'll second that

Clifford Cowell ● 3874d

Am liking the new airy towpath. Better views along the river. I'm guessing that when the towpath was first created there were no trees at all bordering the river, so the current "thinning out" seems like a happy compromise.

Bill Christie ● 3872d

I rode along the towpath over the weekend, agree it seemed quite nice :) still plenty of trees but more clear views of the river

Matt Palmer ● 3872d

The Voices of Sanity!!

Vic Condon ● 3872d

At last- a definitive reply from the PLA."Dear CarolineI must first apologise for the delay getting back to you about recent tree works in the Putney area.Your understanding is quite correct – these specific works near Putney were carried out as part of the Fulham Football Club (FFC) stadium development. The approval process for a works licence for that development identified that tree work was required to mitigate the effects on prevailing winds that enable recreational and leisure sailing activity in the area.  It is also the case that the works have also been beneficial to other river users – ie rowers, kayakers and canoeists etc – by managing trees overhanging the river that can impede navigation by small craft.It is important to underline that this specific tree work at Putney would have been carried out in due course as part of the long term tree management programme in place since 2009 between Beverley Brook and Kew. This programme is vital because of the consequences of self seeded trees growing out of or near the revetment walls (ie the stone and concrete embankment walls).  The revetment walls must be protected – not least to avoid long term damage to the vital embankment and towpath or even a substantial collapse. The revetment wall is of course part of the flood defences.Other aspects of the tree management plan drawn up by arboriculturists include the need to:·        remove diseased / damaged trees·        remove / manage trees impeding safe / normal navigation of the river ·        remove / manage trees endangering or likely to present hazard to either users of the towpath or river users·        improve the environment for specimen and native trees – eg the Native Black PoplarsSince 2009, we have been implementing tree management on an annual basis between Beverley Brook and Kew. It is neither possible nor desirable to carry out all these works over many miles of revetment in one season, not least to ensure works are carried out at an appropriate time for local wildlife. Similarly there is no intention to remove all trees, as the management plan makes clear. Some are not damaging the revetment at the current time and in some places the revetment has been built to take account of individual trees. And of course trees on the land side of the towpath are generally not involved – except where they are diseased or damaged and / or presenting a hazard to towpath users etc.  The removal of the trees growing out of the revetment achieves the primary aim of preventing further damage to the wall.  In due course, and once the effects of tree removal have become clearer, our intention is to repair damage caused to the revetment".

Caroline Whitehead ● 3829d

Thanks for that Caroline.  Now I'm used to it, I don't mind the look of it at all.

Bunny Payne ● 3828d

Many thanks Caroline for following this up.

Katrina Black ● 3828d

I have only come to this issue via a new item on tree felling in today's edition.I belong to the Kayaking Club (Putney Bridge Canoe Club) and from what I see the main point is being ignored. Trees have been allowed to take root in the stone revetments and the latter are thereby being destroyed, causing the stones to fall into the river and thereby damage rowing boats as well as kayak. The PLA is addressing this issue https://www.pla.co.uk/New-upriver-maintenance-team-planned-for-west-London-river-walls-and-revetments but in many cases these trees seem to be left and the trees that are being mostly cut are the harmless ones the other side of the path

Peter Colvin ● 2497d

Apologies -Anthony Hannaford brought up the same point some years and received no answer from the authorities then.

Peter Colvin ● 2497d

For anyone still interested in Tree work along the Towpath,there is a PLA meeting on Tuesday next week (25th) at Ranelagh Sailing Club at 6.30.

Caroline Whitehead ● 2457d

The works are being carried out by richmond council.  They post a notice which refers to tree felling as part of some national directive.  Their site, tree felling, barnes towpath.I suspect the trees growing out of the embankments are PLA matter as they used to be under GLA, who kept them in excellent condition.  Which they are currently not.

Jenny Featherstone ● 2454d