Machynlleth Street Trees
Introduction
Together with the contractors, we are trying hard to keep disruption to a minimum, however given the nature and location of this work it is inevitable that some inconvenience will occur from time to time.
Where businesses are directly affected, such as the market traders, discussions will be taking place in advance of the works as they progress down the street.
The wide pavements will allow access to be retained to all shops albeit restricted in width at times.
We would like to thank the residents and visitors to Machynlleth for their patience while this work takes place and once complete will bring important biodiversity and ecological benefits to the town centre.
Timescales
April - June: The Contractors have started the work to install tree pits. They will be working around the market stalls ensuring there is little inconvenience to the public and business traders. Residents and local traders will be kept up to date with the ongoing construction and any queries can be answered by using the contact details listed.
July - September: The majority of the tree pits should be installed and ready for their new trees. We will be contacting locals regarding a scheme called 'Guardianship' where residents can make sure the trees are being kept healthy. Please contact us if you wish to partake.
October-November: The contractors will start to plant the semi mature trees into the pits. At this time, they will need to be well maintained to ensure healthy growth.
About the Scheme
Background
In the 1980s, thirty street trees were planted by Machynlleth Town Council within the conservation area along Machynlleth Town Centre Trunk Roads (A483 and A487) with the help of grant funding.
Between then and now a number have died and been removed, and although some remain in good health, others are in decline and / or have safety related concerns.
Recent routine safety surveys by arboriculturists identified some of the trees as hazardous and these were removed in November 2021. Additional safety related works including tree removal are scheduled for winter 2022-23. Unfortunately, "trees are not properly looked after" was the main disadvantage for street trees, identified by people on the Public Opinion of Forestry in Wales.
Overview
North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA), working on behalf of Welsh Government have identified the replacement and enhancement of the Machynlleth street trees as an opportunity to promote the sustainable management of this natural resource and an opportunity to properly look after these important and valuable trees. The scheme will include much improved planting conditions for any new trees planted.
They will use tree pits that can provide protection to tree roots as well as irrigating and ventilating the roots to support the healthy growth of the trees. This will help support the continued health of the trees throughout their lives and enable future managers to look after them properly.
Summary
Trees have been removed from the Machynlleth centre integral treescape, and more have been identified for removal (or remedial works). This is because of their failing health and / or safety related aspects (as identified by trained and competent Arboriculturists) despite the trees only being 30 years old.
There is a legal duty under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to replace any felled trees in a conservation area.
Trees have varied multiple benefits and don't just produce timber and wood. They also provide shade; add beauty and amenity value; support other species; enhance our well-being; provide a sense of history, place, and continuity. They increase property values and encourage tourism and are so sophisticated and helpful that through photosynthesis they not only absorb carbon dioxide, but also provide us with oxygen to breathe. Their roots are like sponges, absorbing water so they also help manage surface water and reduce flooding.
Sustainable urban drainage (SUDs) is a fundamental and integral consideration within sustainable development. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 requires all public bodies in Wales to work towards the goal of "A nation which maintains and enhances a biodiverse natural environment with healthy functioning ecosystems that support social, economic and ecological resilience and the capacity to adapt to change". Sustainable drainage enables a natural approach for slowing and holding back water. Trees and SUDs can work together to provide nature-based solutions as a form of green infrastructure to slow the flow.
Losing trees can be emotive and might feel difficult. We are aware of the multiple sources of value of the Machynlleth street trees as well as our duty and obligation to replace them. We are also aware of the climate and nature emergency and the value trees can play in remediating the problems faced through the extensive range of values they endow. We are also aware that when the trees were originally planted the technology was limited and problems have arisen as their roots have grown and expanded within the changing urban environment.
A funding opportunity has been made available to enable us to grow back the trees in Machynlleth whilst this time harnessing the sophisticated underground growing systems that protect and nourish roots within a contained and safe environment. We want to provide the town with trees for the long-term future, trees that will provide the future generations of Machynlleth with a history that can be filled with the stories of their trees.
More information
Tree Guardianship
The Council and North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent will be putting out a request for any locals who wish to become guardians of the trees. This will mean undertaking special care for them, watering them, and protecting them.
Please contact Powys County Council for further information using the contact details below.
Plans and Drawings
Machynlleth Street Trees Map (PDF) [960KB]
Frequently Asked Questions
Machynlleth Street Trees Frequently Asked Questions (PDF) [144KB]
Contacts
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