This week we were made aware, by residents, of works being undertaken in Curtis Woods. We immediately contacted Canterbury City Council. The tree contractor working on behalf of Caneco, was carrying out pre-emptive work. The City Council was not advised of this until late last week, hence why we could not inform residents.
There was a meeting Monday afternoon involving officers of the Council and Councillors to discuss the works.
We were informed that the works were undertaken to reduce the risk of diseased Ash and Elm trees that are within falling distance of the road. Ash, when suffering from Ash dieback, is prone to wind throw, and across the district we have many cases of Ash trees coming down in strong winds. The plan at Curtis Wood was to undertake proactive work to reduce the risk to road traffic and to gain control of the situation.
The works were undertaken with a Hymac rather than chainsaw, causing some rutting. This will be reviewed for further works. The Environment Team will work with the Kentish Stour Countryside Project to monitor the wood’s response to the cutting.
We have asked to be forewarned of any future works being undertaken in the woodland.