Developer explains process of felling nearly 2,000 trees at popular forest in Northampton

Work has begun this week to fell nearly 2,000 trees at a popular Northampton forest to make way for a “much-needed” relief road.

The felling of approximately 1,800 trees in a section of Harlestone Firs started on on Monday (October 31). The removal of trees is part of wider works to make way for the second phase of the new £54.5 million North West Relief Road and also 3,000 new homes in the area. The felling will last approximately six weeks and access to part of the Firs will be restricted during this time, according to developers.

What is being removed?

Developer say approximately 1,800 trees will be felled. "Many of these have reached their economic maturity and were due to have been felled as part of a normal woodland works cycle in the next few years in any event," the developers said.

How many trees are being replanted?

Developers say approximately 8,000 native trees and shrubs will be replanted. "Providing a much more diverse and resilient area of woodland that will provide habitat to a whole host of wildflowers, insects, birds and animals," the developers said.

Access to the woodland during operations

Developers said: "To protect your safety, access will be restricted within the working areas. Access to the remainder of Harlestone Firs will remain open."

Impact on wildlife and ecological aspects of the woodland

Develops say a full ecological survey has been undertaken by qualified ecologists and no animals will be harmed.

Protecting and enhancing the environment

Developers say every tree that is felled will be “utilised in a sustainable way”, with some being “turned into a whole range of products” including garden fences, tree stakes for new woodland creation elsewhere, floorboards, furniture or used to make sustainable electricity and heat.

Carbon off-setting

The new woodland is likely to store up to 1,100 tonnes' of carbon over the next 75 years, the developers said.

Climate action group response

Chair of climate action group West Northamptonshire, Jane Wood, said the replacing of trees is “positive” but raised concerns with new trees being looked after properly.

She said: "Planting native trees and shrubs to replace the trees being felled could also be a good thing, providing they are planted and cared for properly. Sadly we have seen many examples of tree planting projects failing because this doesn’t happen – in a hot dry summer such as the one we have just had young trees may die if not looked after."

Jane went on to question whether a new road is the answer.

She said: "Does West Northamptonshire Council have any serious intention of meeting the net zero targets the unitary authority has set? If so, the millions currently being spent on road-building would be much better used on improving public transport and providing a safe extensive network of active travel routes. And planning policy needs to prioritise public transport and active travel, rather than allowing developments to be built that are dependent on new roads."

WNC has pledged to be net zero with its own emissions by 2030 and those of residents and businesses by 2045.