Diseased trees in Brough Park to be removed

Surveys will be taking place this month on three diseased trees in Brough Park, Leek to ensure there are no bats or nesting birds present before the trees are taken down.

If wildlife is found, the appropriate arrangements will be made to allow any birds to fledge or ensure safe, licenced removal of any bats before the trees are felled.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will be planting more trees in the park as part of the wider redevelopment of MyActive Leek.

The Council will also investigate whether the timber from the felled trees can be repurposed. One idea being considered is the creation of a sculpture trail through the park.

Mark Trillo, Deputy Chief Executive, said: "Removing trees is always the last option but, unfortunately, in this case there is no alternative as these trees are diseased. Before we take them down we're doing surveys to ensure there aren't any bats or birds that are nesting in these trees.

"We'll be planting around four times as many new trees as the leisure centre redevelopment progresses and we've made some alterations to the original plans to ensure as many existing trees as possible are being retained."

Two of the trees will be surveyed on 21 May and will come down on the same day if no evidence of bats or birds is found.

The provisional date for the removal of the third tree is 18 June following the results of three separate, extensive surveys to establish whether or not bats are present. This will also include surveying for any nesting birds.

Find out more about the plans for MyActive Leek.

Published on 1 May 2025