Council apologises for cutting trees down in error

An estimated 30 to 60 young trees have been accidentally destroyed

A council has accidentally cut down dozens of young trees and flowers at a local beauty spot.

Reading Borough Council staff made the error at Bugs Bottom, a nature park in Caversham, Berkshire.

It comes after hundreds of trees were accidentally cut down by the council's maintenance team in Palmer Park in 2019.

A spokesperson for the council said it "apologises for the error which saw a number of whips, or saplings, accidentally cut during mowing as part of scheduled management of the rewilded area in Bugs Bottom."

Due to it already being a natural green space, the park had been identified for tree planting and rewilding by the council.

The mistake was investigated by councillor Dave McElroy, who served as the Green MP candidate for Reading Central at the 2024 general election, following complaints by neighbours.

The council then visited the site and estimated that 30 to 60 of those originally planted had been cut down.

Mr McElroy said: “This is frustrating as it’s not the first time it has happened. Back in 2019 the council did the same thing to about 800 saplings in Palmer Park, with the council representative at the time saying that the important thing here is that lessons are learned. What lessons?

He said his party has been working with the council to understand how this has happened again and they have also called for the trees to be replanted.

He added: “They’ve told us they don’t believe that this exact spot has the right soil conditions for more trees but are looking at other options and species to plant in Bugs Bottom.

“We’ll be keeping up the pressure to make sure this happens and isn’t just quietly forgotten."

A council spokesperson said: “Officers have already met with local Tree Wardens and volunteers and are working closely to put right the error made by identifying further rewilding opportunities, and ensure appropriate replacement trees are planted to enhance the area’s biodiversity.

“The Council works passionately, including alongside volunteer groups at Bugs Bottom and other areas of Reading, to support and increase both rewilding and tree planting."