EXCLUSIVE: Havering Council destroy thousands of trees planted at Harrow Lodge Park.

‘We were truly devastated to see all our trees destroyed’.

Trees for Havering, a grassroots initiative has been diligently working towards a greener community for the past two years. The campaign’s efforts led to the successful planting of over 21,500 trees, symbolising hope and dedication toward environmental sustainability in our borough.

However, recent events have dealt a severe blow to their mission. Harrow Lodge Park, a site where over 4000 whips and 80 standards were meticulously planted through the collective efforts of numerous volunteers, has been subjected to a heartbreaking turn of events.

Co-ordinators of the Trees For Havering Campaign Ross and Adam, visited Harrow Lodge Park in Hornchurch last week to discover that Havering Council had brutally mowed over all the trees planted, leaving both campaigners devastated and indeed outraged at their callous act.

The planting events held at the park were a testament to community spirit, where individuals of all ages braved inclement weather to contribute their time and energy towards a noble cause. Unfortunately, the fruits of their labour have been needlessly decimated, leaving volunteers disheartened and questioning the value of their efforts.

The council’s unilateral action not only undermines the hard work invested in the campaign but also raises doubts about the council’s commitment to environmental preservation. It’s a setback that not only affects the visual landscape, but also the morale of those dedicated to making a positive change.

Furthermore, the loss of trees at Harrow Lodge Park is not an isolated incident. Other planted sites have also suffered similar fates, adding to the dismay and disillusionment of the campaigners.

The Trees for Havering campaign seeks answers and accountability from the council.

Adam Ozbek from Trees for Havering said, “Ross and I are gutted to find out the new trees have been mowed down and our efforts were for nothing. We were given assurances that this would never happen yet the whole area has been decimated. Amongst the whips, were 6 ft. high standard trees which our campaign paid for. These have somehow been mowed down as well.”

This situation serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in safeguarding our environment.

A Havering Council spokesperson told the Havering Daily:

“Havering Council had worked with Trees for Havering to establish this site for conservation and will continue to do so.

“Unfortunately a mistake was made when the area was not taken off the grass cutting schedule which meant the Whips [young trees] were accidently cut as a result.

“We apologise for the mistake and have already contacted Trees for Havering to work with them on a recovery plan that will include new trees planted.”

Please note nobody from Havering Council has replied to the complaint email that the Trees for Havering Campaign sent, to give an official response to their actions as why the trees were mindlessly and callously mowed over.

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