sean

The Mutt

On 09/01/2019 at 14:01, Khriss said:

( an planting a million trees is meaningless if they are the wrong trees in the wrong place)

And there is a lack of after care which I see many many cases of.

On 30/11/2018 at 07:19, Adam M said:

I wasn't aware that the Magistrates could impose an unlimited fine. I was under the impression that would be the point of referring to Crown? Happy to be corrected (if you could point out the section in legislation that would be much appreciated).

It looks to me like Magistrates can impose a max fine of £20,000 but serious cases can be refered to Crown Court where an unlimited fine can be imposed.

10 hours ago, Gary Prentice said:

The developer has been 'asked' not to fell anymore trees (than all the ones  that they shouldn't have already)! 

 

That's all right then.

 

if they have already breached the conditions relating to trees that I'd presume were part of planning consent, why haven't the LA just stopped all work on the site already?

I also thought that would have been a given under the circumstances. I'm hoping to speak to somebody at Swansea council some time today so will put that question to them.

1 hour ago, David Humphries said:

1842 surely?

Yes David. Thanks And well spotted. 

I have been doing some research into this sad situation and here is a quick outline of my findings.

It appears that the Wellingtonia in question. was planted in 1842  by John Dillwyn Llewellyn. He was a prominent member of Victorian Society and was a pioneer of Horticulture, Photography and Astronomy. The first photograph of the moon was taken from an observatory that he built on his estate.  

I have seen the Arboricultural report which  clearly identifies the Wellingtonia as a Category A (Heritage) tree and is clearly marked for retention. I have also spoken with the consultant arb who put the report together who in his words 'is gutted and feels sick' that the tree has been removed. On Friday I finally had a call back from from the MD of Enzo homes who maintains 'that it was a mistake. I asked my foreman to mark all trees that had a TPO and the Welligtonia was missed'. 

For  a tree of this significance to be felled 'by mistake' is unbelievable and inexcusable. 

With regards to fines etc, what is an acceptable amount? We are all aware of the pitiful fines that have been served to developers in the past so what is an adequate fine which would serve as a deterrent in the future? Given that this particular tree has a CAVAT value of approx £350,000 should the fine be an equivalent amount perhaps?

And now there are accusations of more trees being removed illegally.    

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/more-trees-may-been-removed-15500144

Bet they’ve had a few sleepless nights over the years!!!

Fascinating Synopsis about the 21 different types of Whitebeam found within the Avon Gorge, Bristol. Special place.

Severn Bridge Sunset today.

3 minutes ago, sean said:

Brilliant, thanks mate

Just checked on the Ancient Tree Inventory and theres no mention of them so I will go and see if they will let me survey and record them.

32 minutes ago, slack ma girdle said:

Hi Sean, they are in the grounds of the Mercure bristol north hotel.
https://www.mercurebristol.co.uk/
I have no idea whether the atf knows about them. I was there for a wedding and these magnificent trees cause my eye.

Brilliant, thanks mate

14 minutes ago, Steve Bullman said:

awesome tree

Remarkable in fact.

Phoenix Hornbeam...providing important habitat and currently colonised by cuddly toys.

11 minutes ago, Gary Prentice said:

That's just bollox!!

 

Absolutely no help at this moment, but it'll come right in the end Sean. Stay positive.

Cheers Gary. Yep staying positive and laughing as we have done since it happens really. Obvs not so good days but just got to keep going and thanking our lucky stars for all that we do have. 

10 minutes ago, Steve Bullman said:

Crikey Sean, any end in sight for that?

We have our first round of 'Settlement' talks in November with QC's from both sides where the case will be discussed and QC's and lawyers will sit around and play 'Poker' until an agreement is reached. That could go to 2/3/4 more meetings meaning many more months. It seems for the last 3 years we have become a cottage industry where QC's, lawyers, case mangers, expert witnesses, specialists of every description are all getting paid for their services and in the meantime we have had not a penny. It is what it is though.

2 minutes ago, stihlmadasever said:

Thats tragic mate.Hope you recover quickly.best wishes

Thanks mate.... 3years on now and getting on with life.........you can read about the aftermath here.....

Things can ALWAYS go wrong no matter. I worked on rigging jobs for years without a hitch. One day something went wrong and I am now in a wheelchair. I will talk about the accident when insurance and everything else is sorted but my advice is to NOT cut corners and ensure everything is done properly and all bases are covered....period!

On 05/08/2018 at 12:24, slack ma girdle said:

Some fine veteran oaks near Filton, Bristol, with interesting associated fungi. Nothing out of the ordinary, but the biggest oak bracket fungus i have ever seen.

Hi Mate.... Where about are these please? Im in Bristol and wouldn't mind going to have a look. Are they on the Ancient Tree Inventory do you know? If not I can go and record them.

On 06/08/2018 at 18:12, Rough Hewn said:

Anyone read "the wasp factory" by Iain banks?

Great book

Really interesting but at times a saddening thread.

Peely bark and colour of leaves makes me think of Eucalyptus Cinera. (Silver Dollar) ?

30 minutes ago, David Humphries said:

Nice, like the proportions

Yes me too. Its been a bit weird as my whole perspective has obviously changed since being in the chair which has meant rethinking how I photograph things.

Looking towards Bristol from Ashton Court.

Available from today for download this fantastic new tree planting guide written by Dr Andrew Hirons (Myerscough) and Dr Henrik Sjoman in conjunction with TDAG. A wealth of information to help select tree species for planting schemes. A lot of work has gone into this and I had the pleasure of hearing them both speak so passionately about this project at a conference in Birmingham earlier in the year.

https://www.myerscough.ac.uk/media/4052/hirons-and-sjoman-2018-tdag-tree-species-selection-1-1.pdf

Great little vid......looks amazing there.