Month: June 2023

Yesterday, 25th June, was not only unusually hot (31°C), but also very windy. Strong winds in summer can easily damage trees when they are in full leaf and it is often local ash trees that come to grief. A large elder branch came down on a well used path near Edmund Beaufort Drive – see photo below.

This path was often really muddy and slippery in winter. To alleviate this , the Friends of Bernards Heath (FoBH) supported improvement work here and also in several places near Heath Farm Lane. St Albans District Council contributed £3,431 and FoBH £1,000. The muddy paths have been layered with grey road scalpings.

The tree damage has been reported to the Council.

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There can be little doubt that the beech tree shown below is the largest and and most attractive on the Heath. Unfortunately, it has lost a big branch. Roger Miles, tree warden, has pointed out that this was the result of water collecting at the base of the branch and causing rot. A similar event occurred on a Sandridge Road cherry tree last year.

The heavy branch hangs dangerously on other branches and should not be approached. The Council has been informed and we hope that it can be dealt with soon.

10 June – Branch removed and sawn up

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