This fine willow tree is beside the north bank of the Thames at Fulham Reach. In the plans approved for the new blocks of flats in this Conservation Area the tree was to be retained but the developer has had a change of heart.
They sought the opinion of an Arboricultural Planning Consultant who opines that willow is not at all suitable for this area being subject to an array of diseases:
“Furthermore, willow can host numerous major decay fungi, which include but are not limited to: honey fungus (Armillaria mellea), beef steak fungus (Fistulina hepatica), chicken of the woods (Laetiporus sulphureus), Phellinus igniarius and dryad’s saddle (Polyporus) “
Furthermore he points out that willows are brittle and branches can break off, especially in a windy riparian location.
“In conclusion, this is an unremarkable specimen of a short-lived species which is unsuitable for this location, and is already damaging the surface of the Thames path by lifting many paviours and thereby creating a trip hazard. Its contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area is neither substantial nor long-term.”
Arboricultural Planning Consultants are paid to use fancy words like “paviour” and more importantly are paid by the developer. Local residents do not share his opinion.
I think the developer, St George Developments, should honour their original planning application and retain the tree. To say that willows are unsuitable for riverbanks is certainly at odds with my observation on riparian rambles. Furthermore, St George have not, in my view, given the real reason they want it felled: it spoils the river view when it is in leaf from many of the new flats they are building. I rather hope that it does not get the chop and gets a Preservation Order.
Good God. Californians would dance around this specimen if it were on the banks of the Nacimento or the Salinas in the Far West. Good luck to the willow.