THE removal of trees in Salisbury is leaving some residents concerned and confused, but this is the starting point for the Salisbury River Park project.

Preliminary construction work for the project started this month in and around the city, meaning changes to vegetation and the removal of trees.

The Environment Agency has confirmed the tree removal is essential in the lead up to the river scheme, but has assured it will later plant six times as many trees as it removes.

The agency added the material will be reused onsite where possible.

Salisbury Journal: Preliminary work begins for Salisbury River Park project - Pictures by Spencer MulhollandPreliminary work begins for Salisbury River Park project - Pictures by Spencer Mulholland

The scheme covers land at Ashley Road open space and Fisherton Recreation Ground, and land in the Maltings and Central Car Park area, pictured.

Some parking spaces will be temporarily removed during this initial work to “allow space for a site compound and to ensure public safety” as well as footpath and cycleway diversions in place.

Further minor work will continue after the vegetation clearance, including trapping and relocating water voles to a suitable habitat further downstream.


Read more: Parking spaces temporarily removed as river park project prep begins


Ron Curtis, area flood and coastal risk manager at the Environment Agency, said protecting the community is the agency’s “top priority”, adding: “This is the first step in providing better flood protection for the city.”

According to the Salisbury River Park masterplan, improved transport links, a push on cycling and walking, flooding protection, and improved conditions for nature are just some of the benefits in store for Salisbury.

The main construction work is due to begin in May and will continue through to December 2023.

Salisbury Journal: Preliminary work begins for Salisbury River Park project - Pictures by Spencer MulhollandPreliminary work begins for Salisbury River Park project - Pictures by Spencer Mulholland

The project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, with funding provided by Defra, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Department for Education and National Highways.

Welcoming the works, Mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin said: “This is an exciting project for Salisbury – both in terms of creating a wildlife pathway and enhancing our rivers but also in developing a greener city for our residents to enjoy.”

Salisbury Journal: Preliminary work begins for Salisbury River Park project - Pictures by Spencer MulhollandPreliminary work begins for Salisbury River Park project - Pictures by Spencer Mulholland

Elsewhere, tree trunks that were felled due to recent storm damage in Harnham are now being used as benches.

In a Facebook post, Salisbury City Councillor Annie Riddle said: “We are leaving large tree trunks that had to be felled due to recent storm damage in the park at Harnham, so people can perch on them to watch the cricket or the river. While the wood slowly rots down it will improve the habitat for bugs.

"[It’s] part of the city council’s efforts to make our parks greener.”

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