Tree Management Works at Great Linford High Street Cricket Ground
Great Linford Parish Council is committed to maintaining our green spaces. Over the years, horse chestnut canker has affected some trees, and a recent inspection of the trees around the High Street Cricket Ground has highlighted that now, as this disease weakens the trees, it can lead to limb or whole tree failure. This poses a risk to public safety and a loss to our beautiful area; now is the time for replacement.
While Horse Chestnuts are a traditional feature of this landscape, they are no longer preferred for open areas due to their susceptibility to disease. Over the last decade, several trees have already been removed due to weakness or decay.
With the guidance of a local tree specialist, a long-term tree management plan has been developed and approved. The plan involves:
Phased removal of around 19 trees
Careful replanting of native, fast-growing species (including 4โ5 types to maintain landscape diversity)
Creative reuse of some stumps as seating
Management of ivy and ongoing surveys of the remaining trees
Tree removal will begin after the planning process is completed, hopefully this summer. Depending on weather conditions, replanting will take place from October to March.
The goal is to preserve the character of this much-loved space while ensuring safety and promoting a more resilient treescape for future generations.
๐ Location: High Street Cricket Pavilion, Great Linford, MK14 5AH
๐ What3Words: morphing.suiting.lawfully
Residents can keep up to date with this project by reading the minutes from the Full Council meetings, available here. Simply click on the relevant meeting date in the drop-down menu to view the folder. Weโll also continue to share updates on our website and social media channels.
29/04/2025 Project Update โ Planning Application Now Available
The planning application for the tree works at High Street Cricket Ground is now live and can be viewed on the Milton Keynes City Council website. The application includes images of the affected trees and a detailed plan showing which trees are proposed for removal. This is an important step in the process, and we encourage residents to take a look and stay informed. You can view the application and supporting documents by visiting the MKCC Planning Portal and searching PLN/2025/0811
30/04/2025 Question - Why not remove just a few trees each year?
We carry out an annual tree review with a qualified arboriculturist to assess the health of all trees. Over the years, it's become clear that many of the Horse Chestnuts around the High Street Cricket Ground have significantly weakened due to disease, with several incidents of limb breakage and trunk damage already recorded.
We must act now on the trees that pose a clear risk to public safety. Waiting could result in serious injury or worse โ and thatโs not a risk weโre willing to take. The remaining trees will continue to be monitored regularly, and any further action will be based on professional advice and risk assessment.
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