FIFTEEN trees could be cut down at a garden site on the Rosneath Peninsula, under plans submitted to Argyll and Bute Council.
Management of the Linn Botanic Garden, on Shore Road in Cove, have submitted the proposal to the authority for the trees to be felled.
Council officials are expected to give feedback by early February, with a report stating that six different species of trees are subject to the application.
The report, which was the result of a tree survey carried out in December, said: “The survey was intended to assess potential risks to visitors to the garden, neighbouring properties, as well as valuable specimens in the botanical collection at the Linn which is in the process of being restored.
“Further consideration is given to the design and aesthetics of the garden, with a view to removing trees which have developed in asymmetric and uneven ways after many years of neglect, and whose removal might facilitate the planting of new specimens of scientific value, in partnership with the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, thus continuing the Linn’s mission of supporting global dendrological conservation efforts and the protection of threatened species.”
In relation to one species of tree, 10 of which could be removed, the report said: “These trees have been grown as part of a shelter belt hedge, and…they have already been topped to maintain a limited height and enhance their function as a hedge.
“The hedge is now so dense that not even grass or weeds are receiving enough light to grow behind it. Furthermore, due to neglect of the pruning, there is no greenery at ground level, leading to a dark, lifeless corridor behind the hedge.
“It is proposed to remove every second tree, and to cut those which remain back to a height of 2.5m. This will allow more light into the area behind, whilst still maintaining the shelter provided by the trees.
“With the extra light it is hopeful that it will be possible to plant the beds behind the hedge and thereby increase the number and diversity of plants in this area considerably.”
To view the plans and documents, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 26/00010/TPO.
