PROTECTED trees in Swanage are set to be felled following concerns over subsidence- a move that has sparked outrage from some residents.

Wye Valley Tree Services, on behalf of Swanage Youth Hostel Association (YHA) in Cluny Crescent, had plans approved by Dorset Council to fell around 36 trees at the hostel land last month.

The site itself is under a preservation order, which provides protection for trees that are significant to their surroundings.

The move sparked outrage from some residents, who, despite asking YHA for their reasoning for the felling, were left in the dark.

Purbeck resident Georgina Codd claimed this “ecologically destructive decision” was made under the guise of garden restoration and aesthetics.

Your Purbeck Gazette contacted YHA for an explanation at the time, and a spokesperson has now come back to say the decision was made due to subsidence concerns, as they say its border wall had already collapsed.

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“YHA loves trees and we love bats,” they said.

“As an environmentally conscious and sustainable charity, we do not do anything to impact our sites that isn’t necessary to maintain the fabric and related safety of our accommodation and surrounding land.

“There are parts of the Swanage site that are completely overgrown.

“We have also been informed by structural engineers that the plant growth is beginning to put at risk the youth hostel due to subsidence.

“We have already seen our border wall collapse onto the public footpath adjacent to the site. That is currently fenced off.

“Our plans, which have received planning consent from Dorset Council, are about ensuring the safety, integrity, and long-term future of the youth hostel whilst maintaining a great outdoor space for guests and the local community to enjoy.

“We have some wonderful mature trees at Swanage and will be ensuring their long-term future too by tidying up the area.

“An independent bat survey was completed last week. We will be complying with all of the recommendations, including a tree-climbing bat surveyor, who will [be] on site to inspect any necessary bat related areas.”

Subsidence however was not included as a reason for the felling of the trees in the planning documents.

Swanage Town Council raised no objections to the plans but stated their concern regarding the extent of felling.

Trees offered “immeasurable delight”

Swanage resident Imogen Mayeux said the trees provided an oasis where nature could thrive.

“We have been living close to the YHA since 2019 and have walked past every day since then,” she said.

“The pleasure of seeing and having such a wild patch of nature so close to hand has been of immeasurable delight.

“Often there are deer grazing, squirrels busily scampering along branches, birds in full song and at night bats swooping around catching the abundant flying insects.

“It’s an oasis of nature which has been free to thrive and flourish…

“I only found out through a friend a week or so ago that there was to be such a devastating transformation of such a vital area of nature amongst us, giving pleasure and joy to all who live close by, and the many guests of the YHA.

“Who doesn’t want to see and hear nature on their doorstep?

“This felling of numerous trees and ‘cleansing’ of our environment is a shame on the council and those who pretend they are doing this to improve the environment.”