Thirteen trees have been marked for felling.
At the end of July fire broke out in the Millbrook Old Cemetery where the fire brigade attended and thankfully extinguished the blaze in one corner of the site.
Already there are 13 pink fluorescent paint markings on trees, indicating they need to be felled. It appears a few more mature firs are being left in the hope they survive the ordeal.
The Leyland cypress trees were planted to border the area and make the area more scenic. They grow quickly and can easily be replaced, but should they?
Ash trees around Hampshire and indeed in the city have been infected with ash dieback however there are trees that have resistance and the old cemetery might be one spot where ash trees could thrive and help the flora and fauna around the graves.
As the site is maintained by Southampton City Council, they have a duty to make the area safe and will make the decision how to replant the area.
Also, whatever trees are planted they may need maintaining during the first couple of years as our city can experience considerably dry summer months.
End.
Notes:
1/ Southampton Green Party are actively campaigning for the city to take more precautions whilst weather patterns are causing hotter summers.