Note: This event has now taken place. The information below was correct when it was written, but may now be out of date.
A landmark tree in the heart of Old Trafford is in danger of immediate felling. The huge black poplar is the largest tree in Old Trafford, one of the most deprived areas in Great Britain. In relation to the rest of the borough of Trafford, Old Trafford is barren of trees and greenery – this tree being a remarkable exception –and thus it is doubly precious to residents who have so few trees around them.
Twenty residents protested the cutting down of the tree on Friday, July18th, while a large volume of phone calls was received by local councillors regarding the tree. Derek Austin, a council Tree Preservation Officer has inspected the tree, finds it healthy and believes immediate pruning and maintenance would remove damaged branches, stabilize the tree and give it quite a few more years of life. Councillor Whit Stennett has been coordinating efforts between residents and the property owner, and believes that the tree’s welfare has struck a chord in the community.
Residents are racing against the clock to raise £500 by August 18th for the emergency maintenance. They hope to have the tree safely pruned by August 26th. Resident Laura Gaither says, “It has not been maintained for a long time. It is going to need quite a hair cut! But it is such a lovely tree, and I love seeing it every time I am on Ayres Road. I really hope this tree can be saved.”
“There is a terrific sense of urgency to save the tree,” states Esther Austin, who was born in Old Trafford and remembers the tree from her early childhood. “I have always been aware of its presence, and I love it. I passed this tree all those years going to school at Seymour Park primary school. It is a friend.” As the largest tree in the area it contributes to an attractive streetscape, CO2 absorption, insect and animal habitat, pollution reduction, traffic speed calming and general mental well being to residents. Local Vicar John Hughes at St. John’s Church on Ayres Road has called upon residents to consider the tree one of the oldest residents of the Parish. As seen from the church tower, the tree visibly dwarfs other trees, even those in Hullard Park and Seymour Park.
Residents have begun forming a constituted group (Old Trafford Trees = Clean Ayre Community Group) to look after the tree’s immediate needs and work towards the long-term well being of the tree. Action for Sustainable Living, an environmental charity working in the area has agreed to receive donations from residents on behalf of the tree. If the £500 cannot be fully raised, all donations will be given to other environmental projects in Old Trafford.
Donations for the tree are being accepted at: Co-op Bank Sort Code: 089299 Account Number 65142123. Cheques can be made payable to Action for Sustainable Living and be sent to Save the Tree on Ayres Road, Action for Sustainable Living, St. Wilfred’s Enterprise Centre, Royce Road, Hulme, M15 5BJ. 0845 634 4510 or 0161-226-265
Added on 9 September 2008
Residents succesfully raised over £500 thanks to generous donations from residents and businesses. Currently the group is in dialog with the owner over setting a date to begin emergency pruning.
Added on 20 October 2008
Phil Benn, Cert Arb (RFS) Mem SWA of ECOS ecological services completed emergency maintenance and pruning of the large poplar on Wednesday 8 October. It was a 12 hour day and involved closing Ayres Road and both pavements. The community greatly appreciates Mr. Benn's services and the tree gloriously remains a living Old Trafford landmark.
Email event contact | Old Trafford Trees = Clean Ayre | Save the Tree on Ayres Road | Old Trafford | Individuals
