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Newark and Sherwood District Council defends “necessary” decision to fell trees in Newark Castle grounds to improve accessibility as part of National Lottery funded Gatehouse Project




Several trees have been cut down at a historic Newark landmark as a council prepares to start work on a major development project.

Last week, Newark and Sherwood District Council felled 16 trees and removed a number of other shrubs in the grounds of Newark Castle.

The action was taken as part of accessibility works for the Gatehouse Project, which was given the go ahead by councillors earlier this year.

A number of trees have been felled in the grounds of Newark Castle.
A number of trees have been felled in the grounds of Newark Castle.

The plans aim to enhance the tourist appeal of the castle through the installation of a museum and gallery space, as well as access to a viewing deck on top of the tower, and reinstating the castle’s Romanesque gatehouse as an entrance to the landmark.

The area will also be landscaped to make the space more accessible for those in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility, who struggle with steps and the current steep gradient of paths.

In a statement from Emma Oldham, the council’s portfolio holder for climate and the environment, she explained why the decision to remove the trees had been taken.

Proposed changes to Newark Castle gateway and gardens. Credit: Newark & Sherwood District Council
Proposed changes to Newark Castle gateway and gardens. Credit: Newark & Sherwood District Council

She said: “Without the removal of some trees and shrubs, it will not be possible to ensure the castle and its grounds are welcoming to all, creating paths that provide easy access.

“This has not been a decision taken lightly, much careful deliberation has been put into the plans to ensure that they balance our priorities of making the castle and its gardens accessible to all, preserving the archaeology of the Scheduled Ancient Monument, and providing a garden which is enjoyable to visit to everyone and attractive to wildlife.

“We have worked with experts, commissioning an independent tree impact report and separate biodiversity report to support the project’s development, and this shows that with the removal of these trees — many of which are young and self-seeded — the project will see a biodiversity net gain due to the inclusion of more colourful, wildlife-friendly shrubs, hedges, and nectar-rich planting.

“Planning permission has been granted for the tree works and while building work on the Castle Gatehouse project is likely to begin in early 2025, we are carrying out these works now in advance of the bird nesting season.

“Logs and tree stems will be retained on site as much as possible, and used as habitat piles or play features, and we are also pursuing plans to replant an equal number of trees nearby, potentially in Riverside Park.

“Visitors to the gardens will be glad to know that the large cedar tree near the Victorian flower bed is being retained and will be cared for throughout the development works with a root protection zone in place to protect it from damage.”

A number of trees have been felled in the grounds of Newark Castle.
A number of trees have been felled in the grounds of Newark Castle.

She added: “The upcoming Gatehouse Project has allowed us the opportunity to enhance this beautiful space which is welcoming to all, with biodiversity and history at the very core.

“We are honoured to be custodians of Newark’s most famous and iconic landmark and want to ensure we do all we can to protect and enhance it for future generations.

“All too often you see underinvestment in such beautiful places or buildings which are subsequently left to become derelict, but this is definitely not our vision for our castle.

“We feel strongly that the benefit to the castle’s visitors and the increased biodiversity of the gardens make these works both meaningful and necessary.”

The Gatehouse Project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Newark Town Board and the District Council.



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