Trees

As you stroll along the Parkland Walk you will notice that there are only a few very mature trees, and that many of these grow close to the boundary fences, well away from the old trackbed. This is the result of policies by previous railway companies to mow the grassy slopes of the embankments and cuttings, and from regular grass fires caused by passing steam trains. Both had the same effect, which was to prevent the growth of woody shrubs and trees, and thereby the development of woodland.

In 1954 the last passenger train ran and in 1970 the line was finally closed after dwindling use by freight traffic and carriage haulage. It's to be presumed that management of the slopes was also on the decline during that same period, with the result that trees would be able to colonise freely. In consequence a large percentage of the trees are less than 60 years old.

When looked at as a whole the vegetation pattern of the Walk forms a young, deciduous woodland which may be compared with the edge of a mature wood. 'Woodland edges' are rich wildlife habitats, because this is the point where different communities join, and overlap, producing a mixture of the plants and animals from both.

Trees to look out for

For a really detailed description of these trees visit The Woodland Trust website

*These trees, although some are extremely common and familiar, are not native to the British Isles

Tree management

The management of trees is an important part of the overall management plan, and the aims are threefold;

1. To maintain and ensure future continuity of the Walk's open woodland character.
2. To encourage a wide diversity of native tree species.
3. To favour the growth of those species which support the most diverse communities of associated wildlife.

To achieve these aims it is necessary to carry out the following practical activities:

Thinning – to remove 'weed trees' like sycamore, which would otherwise dominate areas and prevent the growth of favoured species, also to allow light to reach the woodland floor and stimulate the growth of plants other than trees.

Mowing – to ensure that the grassy embankments are not over colonised by trees and the Walk turned into continuous woodland.

Limited planting – for the introduction of new native species, to increase the number of favoured species and to ensure future generations of mature trees.

Trees adjacent to your property in Haringey

The following guidance is given regarding Haringey Council's policy on tree reduction where a tree is adjacent to your property:

Tree works in Parks and Nature Conservation sites are only undertaken when in accordance with the sites management plan or to mitigate an actionable nuisance (tree branches are touching a building) or a potential risk to site users. We do not carry our pruning works to increase the amount of sunlight reaching properties or gardens.
 
However, in the past, we have permitted residents to carry out pruning works to trees on the Parkland Walk that are immediately adjacent to their gardens. On the condition, that any works are undertaken by a qualified and experienced tree surgery company and that we are given a copy of the job specification (including site plan) for prior approval.

Alex Fraser
Arboricultural and Allotments Manager
Haringey Council
4th Floor, River Park House,
225 High Road, London, N22 8HQ