Permission to fell several trees which had become rotten during building work in Bradley Stoke have been given the green light.

As we reported in February, seven trees off Woodlands Road which we the subject of a Tree Preservation Order, faced either the chop or felling.

The trees, at Woodlands Court, had taken a “battering during development of the site, and work needed to be carried out to save them.

Two cherry trees will be thinned with dead wood removed to encourage growth while another will be cut down.

Multi-stemmed ash trees will be cut back while a lime will be reduced to allow more light into a nearby house.

The planning consent stipulates that the trees which are cut down must be replaced by new ones that are approved by Bradley Stoke Town Council.

Several trees off Woodlands Lane in Bradley Stoke could be cut back or felled under new plans.

The seven trees, which “took a battering during development of the site”, are covered by the Tree Preservation Order.

Two cherry trees at the site need thinning and dead wood removing to encourage growth while another which has become rotten could be cut down.

Multi-stemmed ash trees there also need cutting back while a lime could be reduced to allow more light into a nearby house.

The application at Woodlands Court was made to South Gloucestershire Council who will have to consider whether to allow the work.

If you’re looking for something to do with the kids this coming half term, you won’t do far wrong looking at some of the nature activities at Three Brooks Nature Reserve.

The BBC reports that there are several bat-spotting nights and a fungi foray in the coming weeks.

Three Brooks nature reserve, Bradley Stoke. Meet outside Leisure Centre.

• Bat walk - Friday 13 October: 5.45pm & 7.45pm
• Bat walk - Thursday 26 October 5.45pm & 7.45pm
• Fungi Foray - Tuesday 17 October: 1.30pm to 4pm

The report also points out some other activities in nearby Winterbourne, Yate and Hanham.

The Examiner has been contacted by a worried resident who says swans in the lake in Bradley Stoke south have vanished.

Correspondent Gary says he went on holiday at the start of August but to his horror returned to find one of the two swans there dead on the lake bank.

Also missing were two of the signets which had been living on the lake in the Three Brooks nature reserve.

Two white ducks, which have “lived there for years” were also gone.

UPDATE: The Examiner has learned the swan in question has been taken away for testing by Defra, as is usual when dead wildfowl is found. In the meantime, if residents do find dead birds they are asked to contact the council Streetcare hotline on 01454 868000.

More updates will follow when we know more.  (more…)