Locals appalled at the felling of so many beautiful trees during flood defence works along the Water of Leith are mounting a campaign to defend those remaining at Canonmills Bridge.
Signs have gone up on railings in the area, headlined 'The Edinburgh Chainsaw Massacre':
A hundred years to grow, but just a day to chop down and turn a little corner of heaven into Desolation Row.
They claim the felling programme is 'heavy handed and fundamentally flawed'. Willow and birch trees take up a large volume of water through their roots, they argue, stabilising banks and protecting nearby homes from flooding, noise and pollution.
'Chopping them down would make flooding more likely, not less.' The organisers believe protecting homes from flooding is not incompatible with saving trees, and are demanding that contractors try harder to work with Nature rather than against it.
They have set up an online petition which currently has 153 signatures. To sign it, visit http://www.petitionbuzz.com.
For the latest on this story, see Breaking news (21.11.11).
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Reaction by email
Dear All
This concerns the environmentally destructive Flood Protection Scheme currently being carried out along the Water of Leith. Residents of Howard Street were yesterday finally informed by Lagans, the Contractors hired to carry out the work, that there will be a meeting on Wednesday November 16th from 6.45pm till 7.30pm at Stockbridge Library. Their letter also states their intention to begin work on cutting down trees by Canonmills Bridge on the week of November 21st. This is in complete contradiction to their previous assurance that the trees in question would not be dealt with until the New Year.
As a resident of Howard Street I am shocked and distressed about the threat to the magnificent trees adjacent to our back gardens that actually help to prevent flooding, provide privacy and shelter our homes and gardens from the noise and polution of the main road. Chopping them down will make flooding more likely, not less. It would render our gardens virtually unusable and considerably devalue our property. It would also be a great loss to the public of a precious green space and beautiful Edinburgh landmark.
There are other solutions to prevent flooding that would not require felling these iconic trees. The current scheme is a classic case of using a sledge hammer to crack a nut, profitable for the Contractors no doubt, but a huge loss to everyone else. I very much hope you will be able to attend this last minute meeting and make your views felt. There is still time to encourage the Council to adopt a plan that protects both homes and trees.
Thank you for your concern,
Ani Rinchen Khandro
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Reaction on Facebook
Colin McShane: Re LOCALS PETITION TO STOP THE CHOP 11/11/11. This seems too little too late. Inc via yourselves (Apr '11 No 193) I tried raising awareness but was then often accused of putting trees before people/homes. The section of river I look onto (Boat Green/Warriston Cres) is now devoid of any trees so damage done & cannot now be saved by petition at this stage.
Paul Burgess They've left it far too late. the plans were approved ages ago after years of delay. surely better to lose some trees and avoid the massive floods which have plagued this area for years?Friday at 18:14
Broughton Spurtle Am inclined to agree, although do sympathise with locals. Looks awful at the moment. We certainly don't want Water of Leith turned into a barren canal.Friday at 19:25- Paul Burgess i agree it looks terrible just now especially loss of nature trees. im sure there will be landscaping carried out and will be nice and green again in a couple of years. however the residents of which i used to be one can stop holding their breath every time there is heavy rain.Friday at 19:29