Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

Posted on May 1, 2020 by ianswalkonthewildside

Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

This is for the mammal experts – maybe a little hard but let me know if you can get it! Photographed in the Moss Valley south of Sheffield and the key thing to look at is central to the picture and in life about 2 to 3 inches across.

This entry was posted in Latest News. Bookmark the permalink.

22 Responses to Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

  1. Pingback: REWILDING YOUR GARDEN – Contact with backyard nature as therapy during Coronavirus self-isolation | ianswalkonthewildside

  2. Technotronic says:
    May 2, 2020 at 10:14 pm

    Badger claw marks?

    BTW, Ian. please check your e-mail. 😉

    Reply
  3. Technotronic says:
    May 3, 2020 at 12:01 pm

    2nd May 2020

    Announcement from Dr Shetty (Save Our Roadside Trees) on the death of a much admired SORT Core Group participant & representative:

    Very sad to say that Alan Robshaw passed away last night. Alan had been given a terminal diagnosis at the end of last year and his death is not Covid related.

    Followers of the SORT (Save Our Roadside Trees) campaign will know Alan for his excellent speeches at Full Council and at the Highway Trees Forum in 2015. He was a very private, independent, secretive person…so many of you may not have heard of his name. However, he was a retired architect and knew exactly how little it would take in terms of relaxed highway specifications to save our trees. He was particularly obsessed with the thin, cast iron kerbs indigenous to Bristol, which would be of specific use in Sheffield’s case.

    Alan also acted as SORT spokesperson in private meetings with the council. He was promised that SCC would investigate the use of Flexipave in 2015, in a meeting with David Caulfield and Cllr Terry Fox. A promise further made at a Full Council meeting in 2016 by Cllr Bryan Lodge. Alan was an intelligent, honest, straightforward man of integrity. He could not understand the constant obfuscation and deceit by officers and politicians at Sheffield City Council and it really weighed heavy on him.

    Alan has made a massive contribution in combatting the tree scandal in this city and it has been a privilege to know and work with him. Many bright blessings on his soul and onward journey.
    He is already missed 🌿❤️🌿

    Source (STAG Facebook):
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/392913244219104/permalink/1510058479171236/

    Reply
  4. Technotronic says:
    May 3, 2020 at 2:16 pm

    IN MEMORY OF AND THANKS FOR THE LIFE OF ALAN ROBSHAW

    Alan was at the core of an internationally recognised campaign for Sheffield City Council (SCC) and Amey Hallam Highways Ltd to adopt and apply a strategic approach to tree population management, to help ensure sustainable stewardship and compliance with good practice guidance and recommendations (in fulfilment of existing policy commitments and contractual commitments). Alan’s contributions were significant. For detail, including links to a number of his letters to local newspapers, see below. Items are numbered, to aid cross-referencing.

    1)
    For a nice picture of Alan, with many of the Save Our Roadside Trees (SORT) Core Group, see:

    The Star – 22nd June 2015
    ‘SHEFFIELD RESIDENTS STAGE VIGIL TO STOP TREE FELLING AS 8,000-STRONG PETITION HANDED IN’
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150821130959/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-residents-stage-vigil-to-stop-tree-felling-as-8-000-strong-petition-handed-in-1-7321389

    (Alan is in the second picture, to the right of a Save Our Rustlings Trees poster, holding a clipboard, stood beside a lady with a yellow coat – Dr Shetty)

    NOTE:
    SORT were permitted to continue collecting signatures for submission to SCC right up to the date of ‘debate’ at a meeting of full Council, on 1st July 2015.

    2)
    Wednesday, 1st July 2015
    ‘SHEFFIELD TREES: WE WILL CARRY ON OUR FIGHT, CAMPAIGNERS VOW AFTER NO ACTION TAKEN ON 10,000-STRONG PETITION’
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150703003200/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-trees-we-will-carry-on-our-fight-campaigners-vow-after-no-action-taken-on-10-000-strong-petition-1-7337321

    3)
    Speeches by Mr ALAN ROBSHAW, acting on behalf of the Save Our Rustlings Trees Group (SORT), at a meeting of full Council, held on 1st July 2015, in Sheffield Town Hall, England
    (INCLUDES LINKS TO AUDIO FILES):

    a.)
    THE SORT PRESENTATION SPEECH, prior to ‘Debate’ of the SORT Petition* BY Sheffield City Council (SCC):

    Save Sheffield’s Street Trees petition

    b.)
    THE SORT RESPONSE TO ‘DEBATE’ OF ITS PETITION, BY SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL:

    Save Sheffield’s Street Trees petition

    * The SORT petition can be accessed via the following links:
    https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191105165454/https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield/u/10951593

    NOTE: the SORT petition remains active, because nothing convinces politicians better than the number of supporters a campaign has.

    4)
    SCC minutes from the meeting of full Council at which the SORT petition was ‘debated’, on 1st July 2015:
    http://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/documents/g5932/Printed%20minutes%20Wednesday%2001-Jul-2015%2014.00%20Council.pdf?T=1

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191104021134/http://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/documents/g5932/Printed%20minutes%20Wednesday%2001-Jul-2015%2014.00%20Council.pdf?T=1

    (Public questions about trees are on pages 8 & 9 of the PDF; the Council’s response can be found on pages 9 to 16)

    5)
    Saturday, 4th July 2015
    ‘STILL ROOM FOR COMPROMISE’ OVER SHEFFIELD TREES DEBATE – SAYS FORMER MP DAVID BLUNKETT
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150812132214/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/still-room-for-compromise-over-sheffield-trees-debate-says-former-mp-david-blunkett-1-7340615

    *****
    A few of Alan’s letters:

    6)
    Tuesday, 7th July 2015
    ‘WATCH THE SHEFFIELD HIGHWAY TREE FORUM’
    (originally submitted as ‘Europe will watch the Sheffield Highway Tree Forum’)
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150813210246/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/letters-opinion/watch-the-sheffield-highway-tree-forum-1-7346689

    7)
    10th May 2016 (submitted on 2nd May 2016)
    ‘THE TRUE COST OF SAVING TREES?’
    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/true-cost-saving-trees-457647
    https://web.archive.org/web/20191127011841/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/true-cost-saving-trees-457647

    8)
    Wednesday, 23rd November 2016
    ‘NOT THE LAST RESORT’

    Sheffield City Council apologise for tree felling – at last!

    9)
    Tuesday, 6th December 2016
    ‘RUSTLINGS ROAD HAZARDS’
    (originally submitted as ‘Rustlings Road Trip Hazards’)
    http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/your-say/rustlings-road-hazards-1-8275358

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191127032726/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/rustlings-road-hazards-451968

    10)
    Tuesday, 13th December 2016
    ‘CALL THAT AN APOLOGY?’
    http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/your-say/call-that-an-apology-1-8286629

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191127031729/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/call-apology-451239

    11)
    9th January 2017
    ‘LEAVES RUSTLING EVER LOUDER’
    (originally submitted as ‘The Leaves Are Rustling Ever Louder’)
    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/leaves-rustling-ever-louder-449917

    Updates on the Sheffield Trees & the Pre-Trial Rally…….Friday 27th

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191109190913/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/leaves-rustling-ever-louder-449917

    12)
    28th December 2017
    ‘THE COUNCIL COULD CHANGE ALL THIS!’
    (published in Sheffield Telegraph. Originally submitted as ‘Can’t See The Trees For The Wood’).
    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7o0jfVXw9hMb9YfFG

    13)
    Monday, 26th March 2018
    ‘DON’T BE FRIGHTENED – THIS IS JUST A FAIRY STORY’
    (originally submitted as ‘Fairy Story’)
    https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/letters-how-would-mediator-be-chosen-311672

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191127021501/https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/letters-how-would-mediator-be-chosen-311672

    14)
    4th April 2018
    STREETS AHEAD COUNCIL ‘SPIN’
    (originally submitted as ‘Top Spin’)
    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/much-loved-institution-308262

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191115032851/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/much-loved-institution-308262

    15)
    19th June 2018
    ‘CAMPAIGNERS DON’T WISH TO STOP IMPROVEMENTS’
    (originally submitted as ‘Lop-sided’)
    https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/your-say/letters-utterly-laughable-consultation-exercise-1-9213606

    *****
    16)
    Many of Alan Robshaw’s letters to local newspapers (provided by Alan), prior to editing by the newspaper editor, can be accessed via the following link:
    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7o0jfVXw9hMb9YfFG

    *****
    17)
    Alan campaigned hard, persistently and continuously, from May 2015 until April 2020 for Sheffield City Council to retain healthy, structurally sound, mature street trees, through use of the range of options that SCC and Amey had said come at no extra cost to the taxpayer (particularly ramping and alternative carriageway edging). Alan represented SORT on the panel of ‘experts’ at the second (final) meeting of the ‘bi-monthly’ Highway Trees Advisory forum (HTAF) that SCC had set up in response to the SORT petition. To hear and see Alan’s contributions, including his 28 minute Powerpoint (slideshow) presentation, please use one of the following links to access the ‘HTAF2’ folder (INCLUDES AUDIO FILES):
    https://1drv.ms/u/s!AsWguV74n6x7ohpQWJFFtS1UqG2L?e=Tngb8l

    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7ohq_tJ6oC09M-dDS

    18)
    For more about the Highway Trees Advisory forum, see:
    ‘AIR QUALITY, THE SCC HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM, STRATEGY, & THE FUTURE’:

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise

    For some detail, see:

    19)
    ‘EVIDENCE OF GROSS MISCONDUCT BY SCC CABINET MEMBERS & SCC EXECUTIVES’:

    Good news and bad for Sheffield’s street-trees

    For further detail of SORT efforts and achievements, see:

    20)
    ‘ADDRESSING BILLINGTON’s (SCC) ASSERTIONS – @100 SELECTED NEWS ITEMS’:

    A Wild Christmas Cheer

    21)
    SORT: A NEWS ARCHIVE (mainly video):

    Dave Dilner speaks out about Sheffield street trees

    22)
    ANNIVERSARY – THE RUSTLINGS ROAD MASSACRE (November 2016):

    Like thieves in the night they came to cut down the trees…….

    23)
    ‘COOKED’:

    Important update from Deepa Shetty on behalf of STAG

    24)
    ‘NEW STRATEGY AIMS TO PROTECT SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES FOR GENERATIONS’:

    GET INVOLVED WITH THE NATIONAL GARDEN BIRD SURVEY

    25)
    ‘SCC, GUNTON & TREECONOMICS – SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES VALUED AT OVER £340 MILLION’:

    STUMPED – Urban tree (mis)managment – Environmental Scientist – Ian D. Rotherham March 2019

    26)
    ‘27th FEBRUARY 2019 – The Star’ (see the appended ‘notes’ – items 12 to 16)

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise

    27)
    Other:
    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/statement_to_the_media_respondin#comment-89135

    https://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/news/sheffield-city-council-announce-felling-17500-street-ttees.html

    Reply
  5. Technotronic says:
    May 8, 2020 at 5:50 pm

    SORT, FOX, DELL & THE SECOND HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM

    To hear what the Sheffield City Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport – Cllr TERRY FOX (currently SCC Deputy Leader) – had to say on BBC Radio Sheffield, on the day that Alan Robshaw was due to give his presentation at the second (final) meeting of the ‘bi-monthly’ SCC Highway Trees Advisory Forum (on engineering options that would enable the safe, long-term retention of thousands of mature street trees that had been earmarked for felling due to their association with minor damage to the built environment [footways and carriageway edging]), see:

    “CORRECTION”
    (comments on ‘The Great Sheffield Chainsaw Massacre – a response to Louise Haigh MP’ – a letter from SORT [submitted to The Star newspaper on 12th September 2015] that was printed in The Star on 16th September 2015):

    More Tree Troubles

    SCC and Amey (the highway maintenance contractor responsible for delivering the £2.2bn ‘Streets Ahead’ highway maintenance project) always refused to discuss with SORT and STAG detail of SCC/Amey plans and intentions for the SCC Highway Trees Advisory Forum (HTAF). However, fourteen days before the meeting at which Alan Robshaw was due to deliver his presentation, SORT received an e-mail from ANITA DELL (Communications Officer from the SCC Communications and Performance Team and the SCC Deputy Chief Executive’s Team *), sent from the e-mail address that SCC provided for the general public to enquire about the HTAF and register to attend. Here is the e-mail (content within squared brackets has been substituted to respect privacy):

    *****
    From: Trees@sheffield.gov.uk
    To: [SORT]
    Subject: RE: Highway Tree Advisory Forum – 6Ds presentation
    Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2015 08:50:14 +0000

    Dear [SORT]

    Thank you for your email.

    I can confirm that SORT are able to present at the forum however this presentation must be about the agenda item which will be discussed which for the meeting on the 2nd September will be the engineering solutions.

    Could you please send me an advanced copy of the presentation SORT wish to present at the meeting no later than the 1st September and we can then upload this for you onto our laptop. Please do not bring this on the day on a memory stick or other devise as these will not work on the Council computers.

    I can also confirm that Cllr Fox will be attending the meeting and confirmation of the other panellists has not been received at the moment.

    Regards

    Anita

    http://www.sheffield.gov.uk/streetsahead
    Twitter: @sccstreetsahead

    *****
    For further information please contact Anita Dell, Communications Officer on:

    0114 27 36736 or
    07814 457 672.

    Email:
    anita.dell@sheffield.gov.uk

    For out of hours enquiries please ring
    07711 153 995

    *****
    COMMENTS:

    1)
    It should be noted that the SCC Head of Highway Maintenance – Steve Robinson – had spent three months preparing the presentation that he gave (immediately before Alan’s). Mr Robinson had chosen his words VERY carefully and read from a prepared script. No doubt Robinson’s script had been edited by Ms Dell).

    2)
    Ms Dell was present at the Rustlings Road ‘Street Walk’, on 27th May 2015 (see item 7, below) and was a panel ‘expert’ at the second HTAF meeting; she remained totally silent for the duration of the meeting. Did she take minutes? We don’t know. SCC never shared any documents from that meeting. For detail, see:

    3)
    ‘AIR QUALITY, THE SCC HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM, STRATEGY, & THE FUTURE’:

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise


    &
    4)
    The Star – Wednesday, 2nd September 2015
    ‘EXPERTS SLAM SHEFFIELD COUNCIL AND DEMAND PAUSE ON TREE FELLING’:
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150930085247/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/experts-slam-sheffield-council-and-demand-pause-on-tree-felling-1-7441179

    5)
    OF INTEREST (highway engineering specifications):

    Click to access SORT_FOI%20422_INFORMATION%20COMMISSIONER%20-%20ICO_FS50596905%20-%20NO%20ALTERNATIVE%20HIGHWAY%20ENGINEERING%20SPECIFICATIONS_v1.pdf

    6)
    ‘TEALGATE: COMMENTS FROM SHEFFIELD TREE ACTION GROUPS FACEBOOK’:

    GET INVOLVED WITH THE NATIONAL GARDEN BIRD SURVEY

    7)
    The Star – Wednesday, 27th May 2015
    ‘RESIDENTS OUTRAGE OVER TREE FELLING DECISION IN SHEFFIELD STREET’:
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150529020510/http://www.thestar.co.uk:80/news/residents-outrage-over-tree-felling-decision-in-sheffield-street-1-7281703

    8)
    WORD FROM AMEY’S ARBORICULTURAL OPERATIONS MANAGER:

    The Star – Friday, 29th May 2015
    ‘THE GREAT TREE FELLING DEBATE FLARES AGAIN IN SHEFFIELD’:
    http://web.archive.org/web/20150820061358/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/the-great-tree-felling-debate-flares-again-in-sheffield-1-7284189

    9)
    For more on the oak mentioned (Melbourne Rd), see:
    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7hQa7a1WstiFBlcvx

    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/news/sheffield-city-council-announce-felling-17500-street-ttees2679.html?page=1

    *****
    10)
    FOR DETAIL ABOUT STEVE ROBINSON, SEE:

    The scandal over Sheffeld’s trees grows – with 16,000 indicated for the chop!!!!!!!

    TO HEAR AUDIO EXTRACTS FROM STEVE ROBINSON’S PRESENTATION, SEE:

    11)
    ‘REVISED LINKS’
    (to accompany ‘Street Trees: Myth Vs Fact’: a letter sent to The Star & The Yorkshire Post, dated 22nd December 2017)

    Merry Christmas to all our tree fellas………


    &
    12)
    ‘REFERENCES’
    (to accompany ‘Tree Massacre – A Few Facts’: a letter sent to Sheffield Telegraph, dated 10th April 2018):

    Chris Packham in Sheffield to see for himself ……

    FOR SELECTED TRANSCRIPTS FROM MR ROBINSON’S HTAF 2 PRESENTATION, SEE:

    13)
    ‘SHEFFIELD STREET TREE MASSACRE: BBC MISREPRESENTATION’:

    Sheffield Street Trees now in the major German-language newspaper too …..


    or

    14)
    ‘SCC INCOMPETENCE’ aka ‘TREE RETENTION: SPECIFICATIONS, LIES & ACCESS TO INFORMATION’

    You’re nicked my son …….. Street tree campaigners arrested

    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/449.html#comment-449

    Reply
    • Technotronic says:
      May 16, 2020 at 2:24 pm

      PRESENTATIONS FROM THE SECOND (FINAL) MEETING OF THE ‘BI-MONTHLY’ SCC / AMEY HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM

      Alan Robshaw (SORT) has kindly supplied a copy of the SCC PowerPoint presentation (the ‘Engineering Solutions’ slideshow – in PDF format), along with a transcription of all that was said by Steve Robinson (then SCC ‘Head of Highway Maintenance’ & SCC ‘Highways Client Manager’*) as he presented the PowerPoint slideshow. Alan has also provided a copy of his own PowerPoint presentation (‘The Schedule of Streets Ahead Engineering Options’ – in PDF format), which he presented immediately after the SCC presentation, on behalf of SORT. Alan has also shared a PDF document of the notes that accompanied each of the slides in his PowerPoint presentation. Unfortunately, the numbering has gone a little bit awry and is out of sequence in places. Sadly, Alan wasn’t able to find time to make the necessary corrections. However, that is a task that people can do for themselves, as Mr Long has kindly shared an audio file (in MP3 format) of Alan’s presentation. All these files are in a folder named ‘HTAF 2’, which can be accessed via the following link:
      https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7hRa_tJ6oC09M-dDS

      * See the minutes for the SCC ‘Meeting of North East Community Assembly’ for Wednesday 11th July 2012 (Item 7.):
      http://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=3142

      https://web.archive.org/web/20200507030556/http://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=3142

      QUOTE:

      “HIGHWAYS PRIVATE FINANCE INITIATIVE
      […]
      ANITA DELL, Communications Service and STEVE ROBINSON, Highways Client Manager, to report.

      MINUTES:
      […]

      (m)
      THERE WOULD BE CONSULTATION ON THE REPLACEMENT OF HIGHWAY TREES THROUGH THE ROADSHOWS and other means of contact. Residents would be given a list of trees to choose from. THE INTENTION WAS TO REPLACE ABOUT 18,000 OF THE 36,000 TREES OVER A 25 YEAR PERIOD ON A STREET BY STREET BASIS. Amey would be responsible for tree maintenance.”

      “PRESENT:
      COUNCILLORS
      Peter PRICE (Chair),
      Leigh BRAMALL,
      Shelia CONSTANCE,
      Jackie DRAYTON,
      Talib HUSSAIN,
      Alan LAW,
      SIONED-MAIR RICHARDS,
      Peter RIPPON and
      Chris WELDON”

      https://web.archive.org/web/20200507030132/http://democracy.sheffield.gov.uk/documents/g4326/Printed%20minutes%20Wednesday%2011-Jul-2012%2018.00%20North%20East%20Community%20Assembly.pdf?T=1

      OF INTEREST:

      ‘FOI, TRANSPARENCY, ENQUIRIES & COMPLAINTS’:
      https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7ihgqz57x5ZVHQuKt

      SOURCE OF LINK:

      ‘GOOD RIDDANCE TO YEARS OF TOXIC LEADERSHIP & GROSS INCOMPETENCE, MISCONDUCT, MALADMINISTRATION & MALFEASANCE’:

      Good news and bad for Sheffield’s street-trees

      Also see:

      ‘THE FELLING TARGET / QUOTA FOR THE £2.2BN ‘STREETS AHEAD’ HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE PROJECT (Amey PFI Contract – Fellgett – SCC Highways Horticultural Manager)’

      Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

      FELLING TARGET ANNOUNCED AT A COUNCIL MEETING (Jack Scott – SCC Cabinet Member):

      Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

      “CONSULTATION ON PROTECTING AND ENHANCING ENGLAND’S TREES AND WOODLANDS’
      (links to evidence of SCC maladministration & obfuscation):

      A Christmas message from the Peak District

      Reply
  6. Technotronic says:
    May 12, 2020 at 4:00 am

    THE STAR – Thursday, 16th July 2015

    ‘NEW AVENUE FOR SHEFFIELD TREES DEBATE’
    https://web.archive.org/web/20150826125116/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/new-avenue-for-sheffield-trees-debate-1-7358554

    QUOTE:

    “…CAMPAIGNERS WILL CONTINUE THEIR PUSH FOR A NEW STRATEGY ON HOW THE CITY’S STREET GREENERY IS MAINTAINED.

    THE FORUM WAS ESTABLISHED FOLLOWING A SHEFFIELD COUNCIL DEBATE, WHERE COUNCILLORS VOTED TO TAKE NO ACTION ON A PETITION sparked by a protest against the proposed felling of 11 lime trees on Rustlings Road, near Endcliffe Park.

    DESPITE THE PETITION ALREADY HAVING BEEN HANDED IN, NAMES ARE STILL BEING TAKEN, AND IT NOW STANDS AT MORE THAN 11,000 SIGNATURES.

    Because workers from council contractor Amey – responsible for the city’s Streets Ahead project – were redeployed to other areas of Sheffield following a decision to ‘pause’ the felling last month, it is understood the TEAMS CANNOT RETURN TO RUSTLINGS ROAD UNTIL SEPTEMBER AT THE EARLIEST.

    At the meeting – happening at the Town Hall next Thursday at 5pm – the panel will debate Sheffield’s approach to managing highway trees and its ‘six Ds’ policy: removing trees which are dangerous, dead, dying, diseased, damaging the road or pavement, or causing an obstruction – classed as ‘discrimination’.

    Streets Ahead’s method of announcing tree felling, and the list of species used for replanting, is also on the agenda.

    Coun TERRY FOX, THE COUNCIL’S CABINET MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, who will chair the forum, said:

    ‘THE AIM OF THESE MEETINGS IS TO ENABLE A MEANINGFUL DISCUSSION AND TO PROMOTE A DEBATE ABOUT THE COUNCIL’S APPROACH to managing its highway tree stock.

    This will be a public meeting and members of the public will be able to ask their questions during the first hour.’

    LOUISE WILCOCKSON, FROM THE SAVE OUR RUSTLINGS TREES GROUP, SAID:

    ‘THE FIRST THING WE’LL BE ASKING AT THE FORUM IS WHERE IS THE TREE STRATEGY AND CAN WE HAVE ONE. We’re pleased the trees will be staying longer and we hope it will give us more time to put together an even stronger case.’”

    *****
    Of Interest:

    AIR QUALITY, THE SCC HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM, STRATEGY, & THE FUTURE:

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise

    Reply
  7. Technotronic says:
    May 12, 2020 at 8:25 pm

    SHEFFIELD’S FIRST EVER TREE FORUM

    Selected quotes of comments made by Councillor Terry FOX at the inaugural meeting of the SCC/Amey Highway Tree Advisory Forum (HTAF).

    Cllr Fox (current SCC Deputy Leader) was Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at the time and & self-appointed Chairman of the Highway Tree Advisory Forum.

    “TODAY’S MEETING HAS COME AROUND BECAUSE OF THE MAJOR CAMPAIGN – AND IT HAS BEEN A CRACKING CAMPAIGN – BY THE RUSTLINGS ROAD TREE CAMPAIGN: SORT.
    […]

    THIS ISN’T GOING TO BE A ONE-OFF MEETING; IT’S GOING TO BE A BI-MONTHLY’ and we will try and run through various categories as we go through the agenda.

    One of the issues that I am keen, as Cabinet Member – and I will do the introductions in a minute – was that people may not agree; and that’s fine. IF PEOPLE DON’T AGREE WITH WHERE WE ARE, THEN AT LEAST PEOPLE SHOULD UNDERSTAND, and I’m adamant that we are able to put over the ways that we come to a decision, and part of that was as a reason to have this advisory group, and, as a decision maker, I think it’s only right that I take advice from as many people – not only Officers, but around the room – and, as I say, YOU MAY NOT AGREE WITH THE DECISION THAT WE MAKE, BUT AT LEAST WE WILL HOPEFULLY UNDERSTAND HOW WE GET THERE.” [1]
    […]

    “…there has been some issues raised about the Terms of Reference, so IF PEOPLE AREN’T HAPPY WITH THE TERMS OF REFERENCE, IT IS A VOLUNTARY MEETING, ERR, IF YOU DON’T WANT TO ATTEND, THAT’S FINE.” [2]

    “I’ve been quite open and honest, all way [sic] through this, to say that I want the public scrutiny; I, I relish that you, you, challenge Officers and myself on our decision making.”[3]

    “I think yourselves really, err, want to know if we are true to our word; is it our last resort to fell a tree, and, you know, I, I’ve, in the forty days, believe it or not – believe it or not, sir, right at the back – I genuinely believe to open up the previous, err, decisions that, that we take, and to have this public scrutiny. Because, if I am, as a decision maker, confident in our decisions, then WHY WOULDN’T I OFFER THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOURSELVES TO COME AND TO PUBLICLY SCRUTINISE ME – OF COURSE I WOULD.
    […]

    As regarding the question on will we, erm, er, a moratorium; the moratorium; I cannot; I CANNOT, AND NOT ONE MEMBER HERE CAN CHANGE THAT VOTE IN THE FULL COUNCIL; we cannot, here today.” [4]

    *****
    REFERENCES & NOTES:

    1)
    Audio file (1.59 minutes duration):
    ‘1.2 – HTAF 1_23rd_July_2015_150723_002_SORT_Mandate_BI-MONTHLY_Transparency – Chair_SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport -Labour- Cllr Terry FOX:
    https://1drv.ms/u/s!AsWguV74n6x7oEZuqD3lbR0RVhlj

    SOURCE OF LINK:

    ‘CORRECTION’:

    More Tree Troubles

    2)
    Audio file (0.25 seconds duration):
    ‘1.4 – HTAF 1_23rd_July_2015_150723_002_ToR_Constitution_Chair_SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport – Labour – Cllr Terry FOX’

    If you listen to the audio, for detail of the HTAF ‘Terms Of Reference’ (ToR) mentioned by Cllr Fox, see the following:

    ‘CLLR FOX’S TREE FORUM’:
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/198.html#comment-198

    ‘HIGHWAY TREE ADVISORY FORUM: Terms of Reference’:
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/246.html#comment-246

    3)
    Audio file (3.27 minutes duration):
    ‘32 – HTAF 1_23rd_July_2015_150723_002_3 Note-takers_Scrutiny_Planting_Forum_Chair_SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport – Labour – Cllr Terry FOX’

    If you listen to the audio file, the discussion on tree selection, planting and choice of location for planting was supposed to be at the third ‘bi-monthly’ HTAF meeting, along with a ‘draft’ version of the proposed city-wide tree strategy. The meeting was supposed to be in November 2015, but was repeatedly postponed*.

    THE FIRST DRAFT OF THE PROPOSED TREE STRATEGY was not shared with the public until 30th SEPTEMBER 2016, for a two and a half month public consultation (over the Christmas period**). No further information on development or progess was provided by SCC until DECEMBER 2018, when SCC revealed the final version that had been presented to SCC for approval, following commencement of a Forestry Commission investigation in to criminal wrongdoing.

    FOR DETAIL, SEE:

    ‘CRIMINALITY, GROSS INCOMPETENCE & MALADMINISTRATION’:

    Breaking news – Leading city councillor responsible for the tree felling programme has resigned…..

    ‘AIR QUALITY, THE SCC HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM, STRATEGY, & THE FUTURE’:

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise

    ** ‘AN E-MAIL FROM THE CO-AUTHOR OF SHEFFIELD’S FIRST ADOPTED TREE STRATEGY’:

    STUMPED – Urban tree (mis)managment – Environmental Scientist – Ian D. Rotherham March 2019


    &
    https://web.archive.org/web/20200116160912/https://sheffieldnewsroom.co.uk/news/beaver-hill-poplar/

    https://web.archive.org/web/20200116160555/https://sheffield.citizenspace.com/place-planning-1/trees-and-woodlands-strategy-consultation/

    * In the case of R (Dillner) v Sheffield CC and Amey Hallam Highways Ltd (2016), Sheffield’s politicians went to the High Court of Justice to defend their wrongful acts and omissions. Commenting on the Highway Trees Advisory Forum, SECTION 109 of the judgement (dated 27th APRIL 2016) states:

    “THIS HTAF HAS NOT MET SINCE SEPTEMBER. MR HONEY TOLD ME THAT IT STILL EXISTED, but that a meeting had not been called since then.”

    SOURCE
    (a STAG Facebook contribution – including links to source material – by Dr Shetty [SORT]):
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/392913244219104/permalink/1260371477473272/

    http://web.archive.org/web/20191104014007/https://www.facebook.com/groups/392913244219104/permalink/1260371477473272/?comment_id=1260631424113944&reply_comment_id=1260859860757767

    4)
    Audio file (2.05 minutes duration):
    ‘67.4 – HTAF 1_23rd_July_2015_150723_002_40 Days_SCRUTINY_SORT_Strategy_Moratorium_Chair – Labour – Cllr Terry FOX’

    If you listen to the audio file, you will hear him claim that he has no power to make changes or do anything differently. However:

    “In the case of R (Dillner) v Sheffield CC and Amey Hallam Highways Ltd (2016), Sheffield’s politicians went to the High Court of Justice…

    Commenting on the £2.2bn project, SECTION 195 of the judgement states:

    ‘…THE ONLY PERSON OR BODY WITHIN THE COUNCIL WITH THE POWER TO TAKE ACTIONS OR MAKE DECISIONS WITH REGARD TO THE WORKS WAS THE CABINET MEMBER responsible. IN PARTICULAR THE FULL COUNCIL HAD NO POWER TO DO SO.’

    However, at SECTION 200, commenting on a meeting of full Council at which a petition with over 10,000 signatures was presented by Sheffield’s first tree group (Save Our Rustlings Trees) and ‘debated’ by Councillors, THE JUDGE WROTE:

    “The full Council meeting of 1st July 2015 is important. I DO NOT CONSIDER THAT WHAT IS SAID BY THE RELEVANT CABINET MEMBER DURING A DISCUSSION CAN NECESSARILY BIND THE COUNCIL.”

    SOURCE:

    ‘EUROPEAN ELECTIONS & YORKSHIRE’S INCOMPETENT POLITICIANS’
    (Selected extracts from a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star, Sheffield Telegraph and The Yorkshire Post, dated 22nd May 2019. Not printed)

    Good news and bad for Sheffield’s street-trees

    OF INTEREST:

    ‘FOI / DISHONESTY / SECRECY’:

    Dave Dilner speaks out about Sheffield street trees

    ‘NEWS – SECRECY, SPIN & OBFUSCATION – PART 3 of 3’:

    A review of some publications from the past

    *****
    NOTES:

    A)
    AUDIO FILES 2, 3 & 4 CAN BE ACCESSED VIA THE FOLLOWING LINK
    (in the folder named: ‘Cllr Terry Fox & The SCC Approach to Scrutiny’):
    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7iQRnbhkCUT1Txjf8

    The link has been shared previously on this blog. See:

    B)
    ‘REFERENCE #5: SUBSTITUTE LINKS’ – the Flexi®-Pave audio evidence
    (to accompany ‘Elections – Europe – Climate – Canopy Cover – Air Quality & Public Health’: a letter by Mr Long):

    Good news and bad for Sheffield’s street-trees

    C)
    ‘A LETTER TO THE STAR’
    (published by The Star, on Wednesday, 23rd November 2016)’:

    Sheffield City Council apologise for tree felling – at last!

    D)
    ‘ADDRESSING BILLINGTON’s (SCC) ASSERTIONS – @100 SELECTED NEWS ITEMS ‘
    (PART 4 OF 4 – News items spanning the 2012 to 2020 period. See item 99):

    A Wild Christmas Cheer

    E)
    ‘SHEFFIELD LABOUR = SPIN’:

    Statement on Tree Replacement by Sheffield City Council

    *****

    A brief eye-witness account of the inaugural HTAF meeting can be accessed via the following link:

    ‘SHEFFIELD’S FIRST EVER TREE FORUM: THOUGHTS ON THE FIRST MEETING’:
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/217.html#comment-217

    COMMENT FROM SORT:

    See pages 57 to 63 of the letter that SORT sent to the SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport (Cllr Terry Fox) dated 29th January 2016. The SORT letter was and distributed to every SCC Councillor as a hand-out, to accompany the Save Nether Edge Trees petition. It prompted SCC to publish a fake contract document that was later used to mislead a High Court Judge†.

    QUOTE (from page 60):

    “SORT are concerned that the amount of money offered by the DfT may been dependent on the Council claiming that 75% of highway trees are mature, needing treatment, and that, in their opinion, the highway tree population: “face a catastrophic decline in the number of trees in 10 or 20 years’ time”, if a large portion of the trees are not felled and “replaced” (see Appendix 9).

    SORT ARE CONCERNED THAT THE COUNCIL AND THE STREETS AHEAD TEAM MAY HAVE SET MONTHLY FELLING TARGETS FOR AMEY TO HIT, BUILT IN TO THE PFI CONTRACT (The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation, 2012; The Star, 2013a), sO AS TO “PROVE” TO THE DfT THAT THE AMOUNT OF MONEY IS NECESSARY FOR HIGHWAYS (see pages 100, 116 & Appendices 3 & 12).”

    To access a copy of the letter, see

    ‘COOKED’:

    Important update from Deepa Shetty on behalf of STAG


    or:
    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7hRa_tJ6oC09M-dDS

    *****
    OF INTEREST:

    Sheffield Telegraph & The Star – Friday, 22nd January 2016
    ‘MORE THAN 5,000 SIGN NEW PETITION OVER SHEFFIELD TREE FELLING’:
    https://web.archive.org/web/20200512201055/https://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/news/more-5000-sign-new-petition-over-sheffield-tree-felling-462210

    http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/more-than-5-000-sign-new-petition-over-sheffield-tree-felling-1-7691582

    † See ‘VERY IMPORTANT TREE NEWS’:

    A review of some publications from the past

    Reply
  8. Technotronic says:
    May 15, 2020 at 3:23 am

    THE SCC RESPONSE TO THE SORT PETITION

    Selected quotes of comments made by Councillor Terry FOX – then SCC Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport (currently SCC Deputy Leader]) – at the meeting of full Council held on 1st July 2015, at which the SORT petition was “debated”.

    *****
    “Lord Mayor, sometimes WHEN WE plant and PLANE THE TOPS, WE IDENTIFY THAT WE HAVE ROOT PROBLEMS OR NOT, is if we have not then we obviously do not take that tree. TAKING THE TREE IS THE LAST RESORT, Lord Mayor.
    […]

    THE SHEFFIELD HIGHWAY TREE STRATEGY CONSISTS OF THE SIX D’s: dangerous; dead, dying, diseased, damaging and discriminatory.* [1]
    […]

    “By incident, Lord Mayor, if I may, on to RUSTLINGS ROAD. There are over thirty trees on Rustlings Road. … Out of the eleven that have been identified to be felled, three have been noticed, and that ONCE WE DIG UP THE PAVEMENT, as I say,

    ONCE WE TAKE THAT PLANING OFF, IF THEY CAN BE RETAINED, THEY WILL.” [2]

    “But let me be clear, Lord Mayor, for the avoidance of doubt, WE DO NOT PAY A SINGLE PENNY MORE TO AMEY WHETHER THEY TAKE OUT A HUNDRED TREES OR NO TREES.

    I have said on numerous occasions that ONCE AMEY DESIGNATE THE TREES THEY WANT TO FELL, THE COUNCIL GO AND DO THEIR INDEPENDENT CHECKS. Lord Mayor, ANY FELLING OF A TREE IS A LAST RESORT.” [3]
    […]

    “Other, not only cities in England, in Britain, but in EUROPE ARE WATCHING HOW WE MANAGE THIS, Lord Mayor, and I’ve to do that; WE HAVE TO TAKE EVERYBODY WITH US.

    As I say, I believe, Lord Mayor, because this is such a delicate and in-depth debate, I’ve suggested the Council will endorse an Highways Tree Forum, where, as we have already heard, so MANY BIG ISSUES NEED TO BE TALKED THROUGH and, also, we are we are not – we are not – able to drive, forget the pun.

    OUR POLICY IS STILL THAT WE WANT TO CROSS-CHECK THEM, not only with methods in this place, but WITH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND LOCAL CONSERVATION GROUPS.

    Lord Mayor, I’D LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THESE, ERR, CAMPAIGNERS, RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE who feel very strongly about our city, BECAUSE WITHOUT THEM, Lord Mayor, WE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DELIVER OUR PROJECTS together.” [4]

    For references, see below…

    Reply
  9. Technotronic says:
    May 20, 2020 at 11:01 am

    SHEFFIELD TREE FELLING INVESTIGATION REPORT

    FORESTRY COMMISSION – 18th July 2019

    SELECTED EXTRACTS

    PAGE 2:

    “SCC HAVE CONSISTENTLY CLAIMED THAT ALL FELLING CONDUCTED UNDER THE STREETS AHEAD PROGRAMME IS IN RESPONSE TO ITS STATUTORY DUTY UNDER THE HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 (the Highways Act) – to maintain the public highway, and the Equality Act 2010 (the Equality Act) – to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of disabled people.”

    PAGE 3

    “INTRODUCTION
    This report considers the felling of predominantly street trees carried out by Sheffield City Council (SCC) and their contractors (Amey) during the period of July 2012 to April 2018 in the context of the need for a felling licence contained within the FORESTRY ACT 1967 (the Act).”

    PAGE 5:

    “SECTION 9(4)(b) OF THE ACT PROVIDES AN EXCEPTION TO THE NEED FOR A LICENCE where a person, or organisation, is placed under a duty by another Act of Parliament (or Statutory Instrument, such as Regulations, Orders etc., made under an Act). Attention should be drawn to the word “obligation” above. It is considered that “obligation” is synonymous with the word “duty”.

    A STATUTORY “POWER” TO DO SOMETHING IS INSUFFICIENT TO ENGAGE SECTION 9(4)(B). THERE MUST BE AN IMPERATIVE TO DO SOMETHING, NOT JUST THE OPTION TO DO IT.”

    PAGE 23:

    “Despite the above, SCC CONSISTENTLY CHOSE TO MEET THEIR DUTIES UNDER THE HIGHWAYS ACT BY FELLING TREES, RATHER THAN BY MAINTAINING THEM IN SITU. Often this has been in the face of local objections, hence the formation of the STAG. Had some of the above methods been adopted instead, the FC would likely not have been obliged to assess the maintenance programme for alleged illegal felling.”

    Page 15:
    “INTERPRETATION
    As set out above, potentially ~600 TREES WERE FELLED BY SCC AND AMEY WHICH MAY HAVE REQUIRED A FELLING LICENCE. As no felling licence was in place, AN OFFENCE UNDER SECTION 17 OF THE ACT MAY HAVE BEEN COMMITTED.”

    SOURCE:
    https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alleged-illegal-tree-felling-investigation-report-sheffields-streets-ahead-programme

    http://web.archive.org/web/20190724045225/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alleged-illegal-tree-felling-investigation-report-sheffields-streets-ahead-programme

    For further detail, see:

    ‘BIGGEST EVER SCHEME TO IMPROVE SHEFFIELD’S 36,000 STREET TREES’:
    https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143508/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/biggest-ever-scheme-to-improve-sheffield-s-36-000-street-trees-1-5412367

    ‘IMPORTANT NEWS ARCHIVE’:

    Sheffield Tree Campaign back in the national news in the Guardian

    ‘STREET TREES: MYTH VS FACT’:
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star & The Yorkshire Post, dated 22nd December 2017. Not printed. Includes audio evidence):

    Merry Christmas to all our tree fellas………

    ‘MISINFORMATION & MISREPRESENTATION’
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star, dated 14th September 2017):

    Ignorance, pig-headedness, and bullying remain the order of the day for the Sheffield Street Trees strategy

    PRESENTATIONS FROM THE SECOND (FINAL) MEETING OF THE ‘BI-MONTHLY’ SCC / AMEY HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM’:

    Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

    ‘THE STREET TREE FELLING QUOTA & PENALTIES’:

    A Wild Christmas Cheer

    *****
    Of interest:

    ‘TREE FELLING – DO YOU KNOW RIGHT FROM WRONG?’
    (a Forestry Commission blog entry by Ewan Calcott [FC Regulations National Team Manager] , dated 18th May 2020)
    https://forestrycommission.blog.gov.uk/2020/05/18/tree-felling-do-you-know-right-from-wrong/

    http://web.archive.org/web/20200520102752/https://forestrycommission.blog.gov.uk/2020/05/18/tree-felling-do-you-know-right-from-wrong/

    Reply
  10. Technotronic says:
    May 28, 2020 at 11:09 am

    SHEFFIELD TREE FELLING INVESTIGATION REPORT

    FORESTRY COMMISSION – 18th July 2019
    SELECTED EXTRACTS

    PAGE 2:
    “SCC HAVE CONSISTENTLY CLAIMED THAT ALL FELLING CONDUCTED UNDER THE STREETS AHEAD PROGRAMME IS IN RESPONSE TO ITS STATUTORY DUTY UNDER THE HIGHWAYS ACT 1980 (the Highways Act) – to maintain the public highway, and the Equality Act 2010 (the Equality Act) – to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of disabled people.

    The FC was content to accept this claim as valid until THE TERMS OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN SCC AND AMEY WAS MADE PUBLIC IN EARLY 2018. IT WAS AT THIS POINT THAT THE COMMITMENT TO FELL 200 TREES PER ANNUM WAS REVEALED.

    This commitment left open the possibility that those trees were not felled in response to a statutory duty, but as a result of a contractual agreement and SCC policy decision. As such, THERE WAS A CREDIBLE POSSIBILITY THAT A FELLING LICENCE MAY HAVE BEEN REQUIRED. Therefore, in April 2018 the FC began an assessment of alleged illegal felling in relation to the Streets Ahead programme to determine whether a breach in the felling licence regime had occurred.

    As the felling had occurred over several years, and NO EVIDENCE WAS LEFT AT THE VARIOUS FELLING SITES, the FC assessment focused largely on reviewing historic photographic and ‘GOOGLE STREETVIEW’ EVIDENCE. This evidence was assessed in order to determine if an exception to the need for a licence could reasonably be established for the trees in question.

    Having reviewed the photographic evidence for a significant sample of tree felling records, the FC has concluded that, on balance, there is insufficient evidence to say with confidence that an offence of felling without a felling licence has been committed by SCC and Amey.

    HOWEVER, THE FC HAS IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF AREAS REGARDING THE STREETS AHEAD PROGRAMME WHERE SCC HAS FALLEN FAR SHORT OF GOOD PRACTICE. THESE INCLUDE RECORD KEEPING, ENGAGEMENT AND CONSULTATION, TREE MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND CONTRACT MANAGEMENT.

    FC believes SCC, and other LOCAL AUTHORITIES, MUST TAKE NOTE of these lessons learnt for future operations.”

    SOURCE:
    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/dates_notes_and_shared_media_sta#comment-90419

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191204041445/https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/alleged-illegal-tree-felling-investigation-report-sheffields-streets-ahead-programme

    *****
    OF INTEREST:

    1)
    ‘IMPORTANT NEWS ARCHIVE’ (10th August 2017 to 19th October 2018)

    Sheffield Tree Campaign back in the national news in the Guardian

    2)
    ‘ANNIVERSARY – THE RUSTLINGS ROAD MASSACRE’:

    Like thieves in the night they came to cut down the trees…….

    3)
    ‘VERY IMPORTANT TREE NEWS’ (5yr Tree Management Strategy):

    A review of some publications from the past

    4)
    ‘DECEIT?’
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star, dated 27th September 2016. Not printed):
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/605.html#comment-605

    Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

    5)
    ‘PRESENTATIONS FROM THE SECOND (FINAL) MEETING OF THE ‘BI-MONTHLY’ SCC / AMEY HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM’:

    Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

    6)
    ‘SCC MISREPRESENTATION & GREENWASH’:
    (a letter that Mr Long [a Sheffield urban forester and arboriculturist] sent to The Star, Sheffield Telegraph and The Yorkshire Post, dated 10th October 2019. Not printed):

    Good news and bad for Sheffield’s street-trees

    7)
    ‘HIGHWAY TREES FORUM’:
    (a letter from SORT, dated 27th August 2015, submitted to The Star and Sheffield Telegraph as ‘Tree Forum 2, Sep 2nd’ (also sent to The Guardian on 26th August 2015). Published by The Star, on 2nd September 2015 (the date of the second & final ‘bi-monthly’ meeting of the Highway Trees Advisory Forum):

    Street Trees in the news!!

    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/282.html#comment-282

    https://web.archive.org/web/20151009104805/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/letters-opinion/highway-trees-forum-1-7439380

    8)
    ‘WHERE DO OUR SLAIN STREET TREES END UP?’:

    On the value of urban trees with large crowns……..

    9)
    HEELEY CITY FARM:
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/392913244219104/permalink/714930242017401/?comment_id=932924620217961&reply_comment_id=932952280215195

    https://web.archive.org/web/20200528101447/https://www.facebook.com/groups/392913244219104/permalink/714930242017401/?comment_id=932924620217961&reply_comment_id=932952280215195

    Reply
  11. Technotronic says:
    May 29, 2020 at 6:31 pm

    DECEITFUL SCC CABINET MEMBERS & OFFICERS – PEOPLE THAT HAD / HAVE THE FINAL SAY

    Cllr Terry FOX (Currently SCC Deputy Leader – Labour) is notorious for obfuscation, wilful misrepresentation and deceit; he has been a significant hindrance to timely positive change, conformance with good practice, and timely delivery on existing policy commitments (local, regional, national & international). For example, see the following:

    *** EVIDENCE ***

    On 4th October 2017
    The Information Commissioner’s Office Issued a DECISION NOTICE (Reference: FS50637180):

    Click to access FlexiPave%20-%20INFORMATION%20COMMISSIONER%20-%20ICO%20Decision%20Notice%20-%20FS50637180%20-%20SCC%20%26%20AMEY%20LIES%2c%20MISREPRESENTATION%2c%20DECEIT%20%26%20INCOMPETENCE%20EXPOSED.pdf

    Extract:

    https://web.archive.org/save/https://twitter.com/alisonclareteal/status/923458770566615040/photo/1

    QUOTE:

    “42.
    THE COMMISSIONER RECOMMENDS THAT THE COUNCIL LOOKS AT CREATING A
    CENTRAL RECORD FOR THE WORK THAT IS DUE TO BE CARRIED OUT FOR ITS
    MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME.

    IT IS REMARKABLE THAT THE COUNCIL WOULD NEED 2,404 HOURS IN ORDER TO COMPLY WITH THIS REQUEST AND VERIFY THE LOCATION OF THE 143 TREES,
    all of which TO CONFIRM THE ACCURACY OF A STATEMENT MADE BY A LOCAL COUNCILLOR.

    From the Council’s submissions IT IS CLEAR THAT ITS RECORDS DO NOT AFFORD MUCH TRANSPARENCY FOR THE WORK THAT IS BEING CARRIED OUT, and this does not serve the campaign groups in their attempts to gain information about the work of the maintenance programme.

    43.
    Lastly, IN THE COUNCIL’S LAST SUBMISSIONS IT STATED that it had a concern
    that the 143 trees were still a focus to the request, and THAT THE PASSAGE
    OF TIME FROM WHEN THE REQUEST WAS MADE DIMINISHED THE IMPORTANCE OF THE INFORMATION.

    The Commissioner certainly understands the point that
    events are moving onwards, and that her investigation has taken some
    time to reach a final decision. However, she would also note THAT THE
    DELAY COULD HAVE BEEN GREATLY REDUCED HAD THE COUNCIL NOT FAILED TO
    CONFIRM THAT THE INFORMATION WAS HELD ON ITS BEHALF.
    Added to this is the fact that the Commissioner needed to interrogate
    the idea that Amey had complied with A REQUEST WHICH TOOK 2,404 HOURS
    OF ITS STAFF’S TIME AT COUNCILLOR FOX’S BEHEST.”

    *****
    FOR FURTHER EXTRACTS, DETAILING THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER’S ADVICE, SEE:

    ‘SCC MISUSE & ABUSE OF THE FOI ACT’:

    A review of some publications from the past

    Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

    *****
    OF INTEREST:

    1)
    Monday, 28th December 2015
    ‘ROW OVER SHEFFIELD TREE FELLING SET TO RAMP UP IN 2016’:
    https://web.archive.org/web/20151229155856/http://www.thestar.co.uk:80/news/row-over-sheffield-tree-felling-set-to-ramp-up-in-2016-1-7641587

    QUOTE:

    “Bitter protests have sprung up around the city since May opposing plans to axe trees as part of Sheffield Council’s Streets Ahead contract with Amey to upgrade the city streets.

    MORE THAN 14,000 PEOPLE HAVE SIGNED A PETITION CALLING FOR AN END TO THE FELLING.
    […]
    ‘The campaign is very much going to stay in place all the way into 2016,’ pledged LOUISE WILCOCKSON, OF SAVE OUR ROADSIDE TREES.

    ‘WE WILL ALSO LOOK TO EXPLORE OUR LEGAL OPTIONS, PUSH FOR VITAL QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED on behalf of our city’s people in a meaningful way and if they remain unanswered no doubt MANY CAMPAIGNERS WILL TAKE DIRECT PEACEFUL ACTION.’

    Felling notices on trees lining Rustlings Road, next to Endcliffe Park, in MAY sparked concerns from nearby residents who launched a campaign in a desperate bid to save them.
    […]
    COUN TERRY FOX, CABINET MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, SAID:
    […]
    ‘WE ARE AN OPEN AND TRANSPARENT COUNCIL and that is why we have established the independent tree panel, to help us listen to residents’ views.’
    […]
    COUN FOX ALSO SAID SOLUTIONS PUT FORWARD BY CAMPAIGNERS WERE ‘ALREADY USED’ INCLUDING FLEXI PAVING WHICH HAS ON 143 OCCASIONS RETAINED TREES.

    He said any other tree works would have to be assessed to see if they complied with highway legislation, caused risks to safety or affected the ‘fixed unitary charge’ paid by the council over the life of the contract.”

    2)
    Monday, 28th December 2015
    ‘EDITORS OPINION: TREE CAMPAIGN WILL NOT BE GOING AWAY’:
    https://web.archive.org/web/20180704224545/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/editors-opinion-tree-campaign-will-not-be-going-away-1-7645320

    3)
    Wednesday, 13th July 2016
    ‘SHEFFIELD TREE CAMPAIGNERS QUESTION COUNCIL ‘FLEXI-PAVING’ FIGURES’:
    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-tree-campaigners-question-council-flexi-paving-figures-456370

    https://web.archive.org/web/20160812112106/http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/sheffield-tree-campaigners-question-council-flexi-paving-figures-1-8012728

    QUOTE:

    “Sheffield campaigners have questioned a council claim that almost 150 trees have been saved from felling through ‘flexi-paving’.

    MEMBERS OF SAVE OUR ROADSIDE TREES, who are fighting to stop city trees being cut down, suggested the use of the construction technique that ‘allows the roots to breathe and receive water; whilst not cracking and reducing any residual slopping or pavement undulation’.

    THEY QUERIED A COUNCIL SUGGESTION, REPORTED IN THE STAR IN DECEMBER, THAT FLEXI-PAVING HAD ALREADY BEEN USED IN 143 LOCATIONS. But they were only given two sites – The Moor, and Bowness Road in Walkley.

    TODAY THE COUNCIL’S CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BRYAN LODGE SAID THE 143 FIGURE RELATED TO SITES THAT HAD BEEN ASSESSED, BUT WHERE WORK HAD NOT YET BEEN DONE in many cases ‘because of the delays and court proceedings we have faced over the past few months’.”

    4)
    ‘FLEXI-PAVE & SCC/AMEY CRIMES’:
    (includes links to audio evidence):

    Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

    5)
    ‘SORT_FOI 422_INFORMATION COMMISSIONER – ICO_FS50596905 – NO ALTERNATIVE HIGHWAY ENGINEERING SPECIFICATIONS_v1.pdf’:

    Click to access SORT_FOI%20422_INFORMATION%20COMMISSIONER%20-%20ICO_FS50596905%20-%20NO%20ALTERNATIVE%20HIGHWAY%20ENGINEERING%20SPECIFICATIONS_v1.pdf

    6)
    ‘AIR QUALITY, THE SCC HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM, STRATEGY, & THE FUTURE ‘
    (includes links to audio evidence):

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise

    7)
    ‘THE INCOMPETENT, DECEITFUL MR CAULFIELD’:
    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/the_specification_of_replacement#comment-86572

    8)
    SCC & AMEY NON-COMPLIANCE WITH GOOD PRACTICE: A FEW EXAMPLES:

    Breaking news – Leading city councillor responsible for the tree felling programme has resigned…..

    9)
    1st November, 2015
    ‘TREES, FEAR, LIABILITY AND INCOMPETENCE’
    (a letter from SORT, sent to The Star. Not printed):
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/363.html#comment-363

    10)
    Thursday, 28th July 2016
    ‘Letter’ (DL)
    The original version (‘FLEXI®-PAVE’), prior to editing by Sheffield Telegraph, published on 21st July, 2016:

    Important update from Deepa Shetty on behalf of STAG

    11)
    Wednesday, 23rd November 2016
    ‘NOT THE LAST RESORT’ (Alan Robshaw):

    Sheffield City Council apologise for tree felling – at last!

    12)
    7th December 2016
    ‘DANGEROUS HIGHWAY TREES’
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star, following his inspection of the Western Rd trees and others. Not printed):

    Important update from Deepa Shetty on behalf of STAG

    13)
    Monday, 19th December 2016
    ‘TREE-FELLING NIGHTMARE’ (SR):
    http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/your-say/tree-felling-nightmare-1-8295771

    https://web.archive.org/web/20200228213031/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/tree-felling-nightmare-450597

    14)
    6th December 2017
    ‘HOW TO RETAIN MEMORIAL TREES’
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star, Sheffield Telegraph, The Yorkshire Post & The Guardian. Not printed):

    Great news and a small victory in the battle to save Sheffield’s street trees

    15)
    13th December 2017
    ‘STREET TREES & HIGHWAY RESURFACING’
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to to Sheffield Telegraph, The Star & The Yorkshire Post. Not printed):

    The scandal over Sheffeld’s trees grows – with 16,000 indicated for the chop!!!!!!!

    16)
    22nd December 2017
    ‘STREET TREES: MYTH Vs FACT’
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star & The Yorkshire Post. Not printed. Includes audio evidence):

    Merry Christmas to all our tree fellas………

    17)
    ‘SHEFFIELD TREE FELLING INVESTIGATION REPORT’
    (Forestry Commission – 18th July 2019):

    Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

    18)
    A SENSIBLE OPTION:
    https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/apr/19/doncaster-council-failing-and-dysfunctional

    Reply
  12. Technotronic says:
    May 31, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    SORT – 5th YEAR ANNIVERSARY

    This Monday – 25th May 2020 – marked five years since the SORT petition went live, at half past noon:
    https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield

    https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield/u/10951593

    https://web.archive.org/web/20191105165454/https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield/u/10951593

    To quote from pages 179 to 181 of the letter, dated 29th January 2016, that SORT sent to the SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport (Cllr Terry Fox):

    “THE SORT ONLINE PETITION: PRESENTED AT THE MEETING OF FULL COUNCIL, IN SHEFFIELD TOWN HALL, ON 1st July, 2015

    The online petition went live on 25th May, 2015. At 12:30am, on 1st July, 2015, the online petition had 4,693 signatures and was supplemented by >5,307 on paper (The Star, 2015). At the end of 2015, it had 6,047 signatures (supplemented by ~8,800 on paper).
    […]
    NOTE: 5,000 signatures were necessary to trigger a “debate” at the meeting of full Council. THE COUNCIL WAS ONLY ALLOWED TO VOTE FOR ONE OF TWO OPTIONS, AS PROTOCOL DICTATED:

    ‘1)
    note and TAKE NO ACTION for the reasons put forward in the debate, OR
    2)
    REFER THE PETITION TO EITHER THE CABINET, A SCRUTINY COMMITTEE, A CABINET MEMBER OR AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR for consideration having regard to the comments made by Members during the course of the debate.’

    In the case of the SORT petition, ALL 59 LABOUR COUNCILLORS (70% OF THE ENTIRE COUNCIL) OPTED FOR THE FIRST OPTION (Beardmore, 2015v), even though they had received the 29 page SORT hand-out*. However, even if the second option had been chosen, the scrutiny committee is only made up of councillors, not people with an adequate combination of education, knowledge, training and experience relevant to the particular matters raised, and with an adequate understanding of the requirements of the tasks involved.

    *A shorter version (Save Our Rustlings Trees, 2015a) can be accessed via the following link: http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/news/sheffield-city-council-announce-felling-17500-street-ttees.html .

    Furthermore, at the meeting of full Council, a ‘Public Document Pack’ was offered to all who attended (Sheffield City Council, 2015d, pp. 4-5). It was a hand-out that claimed to present the SORT petition (as detailed in this appendix) in its entirety. However, the Council had failed to include the references and the notation within the text that referred to them.
    The references validated the case presented – THEY WERE VITAL AND INTEGRAL TO THE PETITION. The Council’s decision to omit them may have stifled interest, skewed ‘debate’ and voting, and have been severely damaging. The references provided a sound evidence base, in support of assertions made within the text. The references include peer reviewed research and widely recognised and accepted current best practice. PLEASE LET SORT KNOW WHO MADE THE DECISION TO REDACT THE PETITION AND WHY.”

    *****
    WRT ‘redaction’ & SCC misrepresentation of the SORT petition, SORT never did receive an answer to their request. The SORT letter dated 29th January 2016 (140 pages, plus 238 pages of appendices), and other SORT communications (including all those mentioned here), can be accessed using the above link. Additional SORT communications, including versions updated to correct errors, can be accessed via the following link:
    https://1drv.ms/f/s!AsWguV74n6x7hRa_tJ6oC09M-dDS

    The letter dated 29th January 2016 formed the bulk of a petition hand-out that was DISTRIBUTED TO EVERY COUNCILLOR in the city (including Cllrs Julie DORE, Terry FOX & Bryan LODGE) by SCC’s John Turner (Democratic Services Legal and Governance Resources), on 1st February, 2016, to encourage informed ‘debate’ at the meeting of full Council, on 3rd February, 2016. For more on this, see:

    ‘COOKED’:

    Important update from Deepa Shetty on behalf of STAG

    The official SCC response to the SORT letter can be accessed via either of the following links:
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/522.html#comment-522

    Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

    *****
    The 140 page letter from SORT prompted SCC & Amey Hallam Highways Ltd [the primary contractor for the £2.2bn city-wide project] to quickly cobble together a back-date a ‘Streets Ahead’ contract document: the “Streets Ahead Five Year Tree Management Strategy”, published on 2nd February, 2016. For evidence to confirm this, see:
    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/streets_ahead_five_year_tree_man_2#comment-87127

    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/streets_ahead_five_year_tree_man_2#comment-87128

    THE FAKE CONTRACT DOCUMENT WAS LATER PRESENTED AS SUCH TO A HIGH COURT JUDGE. The Judge subsequently used it as evidence in support of the SCC & Amey Hallam Highways Ltd approach to tree population management. See:

    ‘VERY IMPORTANT TREE NEWS’ (5yr TMS):

    A review of some publications from the past

    QUOTE:
    “The strategy was first made public in early 2016, shortly before tree campaigner DAVE DILLNER WENT TO HIGH COURT TO SEEK A JUDICIAL REVIEW of council decisions.
    In April 2016, MR JUSTICE GILBART REJECTED THE APPLICATION AS ‘MISCONCEIVED’ AFTER CITING THE STRATEGY, which had been brought to the court’s attention by Mr Dillner, as an “important document” in assessing the council’s approach to felling.”
    *****
    SCC responded to the SORT petition and associated documents, with offer of a ‘bi-monthly’ Highway Trees Advisory Forum (HTAF) and distribution of a ‘Rustlings Rd Response’ document, dated 8th July, 2015. See:

    ‘HIGHWAY TREES: HTAF & STRATEGY’ :

    Sheffield Street Trees important update

    The SCC/Amey ‘Rustlings Rd Response’ document can be viewed & downloaded via either of the following links:

    Click to access SCC_Rustlings%20Road%20Response%20to%20the%20SORT%20petition%20handout.%208th%20July%2c%202015.pdf

    Click to access SCC_Rustlings%20Road%20Response%20to%20the%20SORT%20petition%20handout.%208th%20July%2c%202015.pdf

    For comment on this, see:
    https://www.whatdotheyknow.com/request/futher_information_requested_to#comment-85605

    After just two meetings, the SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport – Cllr Terry FOX – secretly substituted the HTAF with a household felling survey (questionnaire) and sham ‘Independent Tree Panel’ (ITP). For Detail, See:

    ‘AIR QUALITY, THE SCC HIGHWAY TREES ADVISORY FORUM, STRATEGY, & THE FUTURE’
    (scroll to 11c, in the ‘Items of Interest section) :

    Another one on the Sheffield Street-trees – City Council to apologise

    ‘ITP SCAM: EXTRACTS FROM THE SORT LETTER DATED 29th January, 2016’:

    Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

    ‘COUNCIL ADMITS NO REASON TO FELL TREES’
    (a letter that Alan Robshaw submitted to The Star & Sheffield Telegraph, dated 9th December 2015):

    The scandal over Sheffeld’s trees grows – with 16,000 indicated for the chop!!!!!!!

    ‘LODGE: A COMPLAINT’
    (a letter that Mr Long [a Sheffield urban forester and arboriculturist] sent to The Star, dated 20th May 2016. Not printed):

    The scandal over Sheffeld’s trees grows – with 16,000 indicated for the chop!!!!!!!

    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/519.html#comment-519

    *****
    Much of the SORT petition hand-out was incorporated in to a letter that SORT sent to the SCC Cabinet Member for Environment & Transport (Cllr Terry FOX**), dated 14th July 2015. The primary purpose of the letter was to help ensure that the matters that SORT had raised would receive adequate consideration and appropriate, adequate, timely, well-reasoned, responses, supported by adequate evidence. SORT had suspected that SCC would attempt to ignore all matters raised and dismiss all further enquiries on the basis that they had received adequate ‘scrutiny’ during ‘debate’ of the petition at a meeting of full Council (the proposed ‘Highway Trees Advisory Forum was expected to be nothing more than an SCC/Amey PR stunt, which it was). The letter was intended to enable the SCC Cabinet Member (Cllr Terry Fox) and his successors (Cllr Bryan lodge & Lewis Dagnall) to be held fully accountable for their acts and omissions, if/when necessary (particularly in the event of legal action). See:

    ‘SHEFFIELD’S FIRST EVER TREE FORUM’
    (in particular, see reference 4 & associated ‘items of interest’):

    Mystery photograph of the day No. 26

    ‘FURTHER DETAIL OF SCC INCOMPETENCE & MALADMINISTRATION’:

    Latest from Deepa and the Trees Campaign

    ‘GOOD RIDDANCE TO YEARS OF TOXIC LEADERSHIP & GROSS INCOMPETENCE, MISCONDUCT, MALADMINISTRATION & MALFEASANCE’
    (scroll down to ‘More From Toxic Dore’):

    Good news and bad for Sheffield’s street-trees

    *****
    The official SCC response to the SORT letter dated 14th July 2015 can be accessed via either of the following links:
    http://stocksbridgecommunity.org.archived.website/comment/241.html#comment-241

    Updated report from SORT – Letter to Sheffield City Council on Street Trees

    *****
    In response to the SORT petition and associated documents, SCC committed to deliver on a policy commitment it had made, in 2010, to have a city-wide tree strategy and for it to include a sub-strategy for highway trees. Also in sesponse to SORT, SCC undertook its first assessments of canopy cover for Sheffield’s urban forest (the city-wide tree population) and the street tree population. For both populations, in response to SORT campaigners, SCC also undertook its first assessments of the monetary value of tree populations and the monetary value of a range of associated ecosystem services that benefit the environment & communities. See:

    ‘AN E-MAIL FROM THE CO-AUTHOR OF SHEFFIELD’S FIRST ADOPTED TREE STRATEGY’:

    STUMPED – Urban tree (mis)managment – Environmental Scientist – Ian D. Rotherham March 2019

    ‘SCC, GUNTON & TREECONOMICS – SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES VALUED AT OVER £340 MILLION’:

    STUMPED – Urban tree (mis)managment – Environmental Scientist – Ian D. Rotherham March 2019

    THE STAR – Wednesday, 11th March 2020
    ‘COUNCIL AND CAMPAIGNERS REVEAL NEW STRATEGY TO PROTECT SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES FOLLOWING FELLING CONTROVERSY’:

    A Wild Christmas Cheer

    Thursday, 2nd April 2020 (Essential Arb)
    ‘NEW STRATEGY AIMS TO PROTECT SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES FOR GENERATIONS’:

    GET INVOLVED WITH THE NATIONAL GARDEN BIRD SURVEY

    *****
    SORT also prompted SCC to publish a Corporate Tree Risk Management Strategy (which, bizarrely,excludes highway trees) – published in response to a SORT update:
    https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield/u/18390599

    *****
    OF INTEREST:

    ‘BARRELL & SORT’:

    On the value of urban trees with large crowns……..

    ‘WRT THE IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM DEEPA SHETTY’:

    Important update from Deepa Shetty on behalf of STAG

    ‘CONSULTATION – PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOR STREET TREES – TREE STRATEGY!’
    (see the appended resources in the ‘SCC & AMEY MALPRACTICE’ section):

    A Christmas message from the Peak District

    *****
    NOTE:

    This month (May 2020) 146 of Alan Robshaw’s friends/supporters have signed the SORT petition* since the start of May 2020 (ninety signatures on 4th & no further signatures since 21st). The online petition now has 9,197 signatures, indicating sustained support (remember that when we started the website also indicated the geographic distribution of support).

    *
    https://www.change.org/p/sheffield-city-council-streetsahead-sheffield-gov-uk-save-the-12-trees-on-rustlings-road-sheffield

    Reply
    • Technotronic says:
      June 1, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      Correction:
      Between 21st May 2020 & the end of May 2020, the online SORT petition gained three signatures. Sorry for any confusion – there are no options to edit on this blog.

      Reply
  13. Technotronic says:
    June 3, 2020 at 1:06 pm

    THE STAR (Sheffield newspaper) – Friday, 15th February 2013

    ‘BIGGEST EVER SCHEME TO IMPROVE SHEFFIELD’S 36,000 STREET TREES’:

    https://web.archive.org/web/20171205143508/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/biggest-ever-scheme-to-improve-sheffield-s-36-000-street-trees-1-5412367

    QUOTE:

    “Fifteen to 20 trees have been classed as dangerous and removed so far – among 1,250 which are to be replaced in total.

    Further more detailed surveys of the remaining trees will be carried out over the coming months to identify whether they require any work.

    STEVE ROBINSON, HEAD OF HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE AT THE COUNCIL, which is working with contractor Amey on the project, said:

    ‘Overall there are 36,000 highway trees and THERE ARE 1,250 ACROSS THE CITY WHICH WE ARE TAKING OUT and replacing.’
    […]
    Mr Robinson said:

    ‘NO HEALTHY TREES WILL BE REMOVED UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, such as if they are damaging properties or infrastructure or blocking pavements.’

    In cases where roots are damaging pavements, workers will look at removing the offending root, or alternatives such as raising the pavement surface, he added.

    Some 22 staff are working on the tree maintenance and renewal project.

    New trees will come from a list of around 30 species, including ornamental, native and exotic species.

    MR ROBINSON SAID HE WOULD WELCOME RESIDENTS’ VIEWS AS THE PROJECT PROGRESSES, AND PEOPLE living next to trees which are to be replaced SHOULD MAKE THEIR FEELINGS KNOWN.

    He said:

    ‘People can also go along to the Streets Ahead roadshows and ask questions about their street and species of trees.’
    […]
    COUN JACK SCOTT, SHEFFIELD COUNCIL’S CABINET MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT, SAID:

    ‘This is the biggest programme affecting Sheffield’s trees since they were planted in Victorian times.’
    […]
    RESIDENTS ARE ALSO BEING ENCOURAGED TO BECOME ‘TREE CHAMPIONS’ TO LOOK AFTER SPECIES IN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS AND REPORT ANY PROBLEMS. Anyone interested should call the council on 0114 2734567.”

    Reply
  14. Technotronic says:
    July 16, 2020 at 1:57 am

    BIG NEWS FROM THE STAR – Wednesday, 15th July 2020, 12:01 am

    ‘PEACE DEAL’ AGREED AS SHEFFIELD TREE-FELLING WAR ENDS AFTER EIGHT YEAR BATTLE
    (By Journalist Darren Burke)

    “A ‘peace deal’ has been drawn up between protesters and Sheffield City Council – potentially bringing the city’s eight year tree-felling war to an end.

    Both sides have agreed to work together on a new ‘shared vision’ for the city’s trees after a long-running saga which saw dozens of arrests, thousands of trees chopped down and a war of words in the courts.

    A document outlining the strategy will be published this week alongside AN ONLINE SURVEY WHICH ASKS FOR VIEWS FROM INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS TO HELP SHAPE A FINAL PLAN BY SPRING 2021.

    The working strategy, which outlines a positive and exemplary approach to the future management of the city’s street trees, comes following months of partnership working between representatives from Sheffield City Council, Amey, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, Sheffield Tree Action Groups, The Woodland Trust and tree valuation experts.

    The controversial tree felling programme has rumbled on for eight years.

    The working strategy recognises the essential contribution that street trees provide for health and wellbeing, air quality and other ecological and environmental benefits, as well as outlining new ways of working to ensure the city’s network of street trees is well maintained and sustained for the future.

    SIX OUTCOMES, WHICH WILL COLLECTIVELY HELP SHAPE AND DEVELOP THE FUTURE APPROACH TO STREET TREES, ARE OUTLINED IN THE WORKING STRATEGY; putting into practice long-term and tangible plans to allow for smarter and more considered decisions.

    THESE ARE:

    – SUSTAINABLY and carefully managing street trees in accordance with best practice.

    – INCREASING THE VALUE AND BENEFITS THAT FLOW FROM OUR STREET TREES.

    – Contributing to A MORE EQUAL DISTRIBUTION OF URBAN FOREST ACROSS THE CITY to promote health and wellbeing.

    – INCREASING STREET TREE CANOPY COVER.

    – Ensuring street trees are more resilient through the type and age of trees planted and also the current street tree stock is managed.

    – INVOLVING THE WIDER COMMUNITY IN CARING FOR AND VALUING STREET TREES.

    AS A SUPPLEMENT TO SHEFFIELD CITY COUNCIL’S EXISTING TREES AND WOODLANDS STRATEGY (2018-2033) THE WORKING STRATEGY OUTLINES A CLEAR PROPOSAL to promote and enhance Sheffield’s street tree stock whilst identifying the unique challenges of caring for trees growing in a highway environment.

    As part of their work, the development group commissioned BASELINE DATA FOR SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES WHICH INCLUDED THE PRODUCTION OF A REPORT BY TREECONOMICS, based on an inventory of Sheffield’s street trees and drawing on over 35,000 RECORDS from the ‘Streets Ahead’ database.

    THE REPORT VALUES THE ECOSYSTEM BENEFITS OF STREET TREES using i-Tree Eco, a state-of-the-art open source software system used worldwide to assess and manage urban tree populations and is THOUGHT TO BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND FOR STREET TREES.

    The information will result in the council and its partners being able to better manage the city’s street trees by using more accurate, timely and complete sets of data.

    THE ‘SHEFFIELD STREET TREE INVENTORY REPORT’ CAN BE VIEWED HERE :

    Click to access FINAL-Sheffield-Street-Tree-Strategy-i-Tree-Eco-Inventory-Report.pdf

    Click to access FINAL-Sheffield-Street-Tree-Strategy-i-Tree-Eco-Inventory-Report.pdf

    LIZ BALLARD, Chair of the Sheffield Street Tree Strategy Development Group said:

    ‘We set out to develop an exemplary Partnership Street Tree Strategy for Sheffield that values street trees for the benefits they bring to people, the city and the wider environment. And we believe this working strategy is just that.

    As a group we wanted to produce something positive and visionary – for the city to collectively view street trees as an asset, helping us to improve air quality, reduce flood risk, support wildlife and store carbon, and to promote the wellbeing of our cities citizens.

    This strategy aims to learn from the past in order to deliver our vision for the future of Sheffield’s street trees.’

    COUNCILLOR MARK JONES, Cabinet member for Environment, Street Scene and Climate Change at Sheffield City Council said:

    ‘We live in a city famous for its greenery, something many of us are rightly proud of.

    We have almost five million trees covering our streets, parks and woodlands. That’s approximately eight trees for each person who lives here. IT IS REALLY IMPORTANT THAT WE HAVE A TREE STRATEGY THAT SUPPORTS A SUSTAINABLE and future-proof APPROACH TO MANAGING OUR GROWING STREET TREE STOCK.

    Trees matter. NOT ONLY DO THEY HELP IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND SUPPORT WILDLIFE BUT THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN PROVEN TO BENEFIT OUR MENTAL HEALTH. We need better and more robust measures in place to make sure trees across Sheffield continue PROVIDING VALUE TO OUR NATURAL AND URBAN ENVIRONMENT.

    TO MAKE THIS STRATEGY WORK FOR THE CITY, WE NEED FEEDBACK AND COLLABORATION FROM A RANGE OF STAKEHOLDERS, PARTNERS AND RESIDENTS AND THIS WILL BE GAINED THROUGH OUR 12 WEEK CONSULTATION PROCESS. Engagement is key for creating a way forward that works for us all, not just for now, but for many years to come.

    We’ve not always got the approach to street trees right. However, through the hard work and dedication of the development group and many others we have created this new strategy, one which ensures we listen carefully to all viewpoints and will shape how we do things better.

    THROUGH THIS NEW WAY OF WORKING, WE ARE COMMITTED TO RETAINING TREES WHEREVER POSSIBLE, PLANTING ADDITIONAL TREES, INCREASING CANOPY COVER and building a more diverse and resilient street tree stock with varying species and age profiles.

    IT’S NOT JUST ABOUT THE NUMBER OF TREES WE HAVE; IT’S ABOUT CARING FOR THEM IN THE RIGHT WAY AND MAXIMISING THEIR MANY BENEFITS whilst ensuring that our city can still develop and thrive in these times of continuous and challenging change.’

    PAUL SELBY from STAG said:

    ‘THIS WORKING STRATEGY IS THE CULMINATION OF SEVEN MONTHS COLLABORATION BETWEEN A WHOLE RANGE OF PARTNERS, and I am personally extremely grateful to all those who have contributed their time and expertise.

    THE WORKING STRATEGY WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL IN MARCH THIS YEAR AND, ASSUMING IT IS IMPLEMENTED, SHEFFIELD’S RESIDENTS CAN BE CONFIDENT THAT THEIR STREET TREES WILL BE PROTECTED, SUSTAINED, AND INCREASED IN NUMBER. The benefits of this new and enlightened approach will be felt not just by current generations, but future generations too.”

    Over recent years, there has been public interest in the approach to managing street trees in Sheffield, as part of the council’s Streets Ahead Highways Maintenance programme being delivered by Amey.

    In a bid to find a way forward, in 2018 the council and Amey embarked on a series of MEDIATED TALKS with members of the main campaign group, STAG. THIS RESULTED IN A JOINT POSITION STATEMENT being agreed and the start of a new programme of joint tree inspections.

    A REVIEW OF LESSONS LEARNED FROM THESE INSPECTIONS WAS PUBLISHED IN 2019.

    DARREN BUTT, Account Director at Streets Ahead said:

    ‘We have welcomed the opportunity to sit down with all partners to discuss and agree a shared vision for street trees in Sheffield. BY ENGAGING WITH local communities and members of STAG WE HAVE A SOLID FOUNDATION FROM WHICH TO BUILD, CONTINUING TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY, achieving the outcomes that benefit everyone in the city.

    We are confident that our working relationships, as well as our street trees, are stronger and more resilient as a result.’

    The city’s street trees are managed as part of the Streets Ahead highway maintenance contract between the Council and Amey.

    Street tree management and maintenance forms part of the routine Streets Ahead programme alongside gritting, street cleaning and litter collection, gully emptying and grass cutting.

    THE PROPOSED APPROACH AND ACTIONS IN THE WORKING STRATEGY SUPPORT THE COUNCIL’S WIDER COMMITMENT TO HELP COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE by becoming a carbon neutral city by 2030.

    THE STRATEGY WILL BE DEVELOPED FURTHER IN ITS FIRST YEAR, WITH INPUT FROM STAKEHOLDERS AND ENGAGEMENT WITH RESIDENTS IN COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE CITY. The aim is to review the working strategy to take account of the views from different groups of people and update the action plan in response to the outcomes of this engagement work.

    A copy of the new working strategy can be found HERE:
    https://www.wildsheffield.com/campaign/street-trees/street-tree-working-strategy/

    http://web.archive.org/web/20200326160013/https://www.wildsheffield.com/campaign/street-trees/street-tree-working-strategy/

    To take part in the online survey and give your views on the working strategy click HERE:
    https://sheffield.citizenspace.com/place-business-strategy/partnership-sheffield-street-tree-working-strategy

    http://web.archive.org/web/20200716011845/https://sheffield.citizenspace.com/place-business-strategy/partnership-sheffield-street-tree-working-strategy/

    THE CONSULTATION WILL CLOSE ON THURSDAY 8th OCTOBER 2020.

    A WEBINAR ON THE NEW STREET TREE WORKING STRATEGY WILL TAKE PLACE as part of Sheffield Tree Week ON FRIDAY 17th JULY at 2pm. Details of this webinar and other events, including HOW TO REGISTER, can be found here:
    https://www.sheffieldtreeweek.co.uk

    http://web.archive.org/web/20200716012134/https://www.sheffieldtreeweek.co.uk/

    THE WOODLAND TRUST has also welcomed the announcement by Sheffield City Council on the halting of healthy tree felling.

    It cost the city more than 5,000 of its trees, but THE TRUST SAID THERE IS ‘FINALLY THE PROSPECT OF MEANINGFUL RECONCILIATION AFTER EIGHT YEARS OF TENSION OVER THE MASS FELLING OF HEALTHY STREET TREES, THAT LED TO PUBLIC OUTCRY, A GOVERNMENT INVESTIGATION AND DOZENS OF ARRESTS.’

    HALF OF SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES WERE MARKED FOR FELLING under Streets Ahead, a controversial £2.2 billion road maintenance programme between Sheffield Council and its contractor AMEY.

    THOUSANDS OF MATURE TREES WILL NOW BE SAVED AS A RESULT, including 20 healthy First World War memorial trees on Western Road and 120 year old Chelsea Road Elm.

    The dawn fellings and opposition of city residents attracted criticism of the council and its contractor Amey from conservationists, celebrities and politicians including then ENVIRONMENT SECRETARY MICHAEL GOVE who accused Sheffield City Council of ‘environmental vandalism; and promised to do ‘anything required’ to end its controversial tree-felling programme.

    A spokesman said:

    ‘It is therefore quite remarkable to see THAT FROM TODAY THE CITY NOW HAS ONE OF THE MOST ROBUST AND TRANSPARENT APPROACHES FOR STREET TREE MANAGEMENT, and one the Woodland Trust is hoping other councils will look to follow.’

    THE PROGRESS WAS REACHED BY ALL SIDES NEGOTIATING OVER SEVEN MONTHS. LED BY Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust; REPRESENTATIVES OF STAG (Sheffield Tree Action Groups) the Woodland Trust and various subject experts took part in a programme of workshops to reach an agreement with Sheffield City Council and its contractor Amey.

    JOSEPH COLES , urban lead of the Woodland Trust who sat on the panel drawing up the new plan for Sheffield, said:

    ‘THIS IS A WELL-EARNED VICTORY FOR DEMOCRACY, and the residents of Sheffield who fought so hard and AT PERSONAL COST to protect their city’s trees. With the help of local and national charities, there is now a robust way of working that will involve consultation TO AVOID INDISCRIMINATE FELLING OF HEALTHY TREES. We are waking up to a climate crisis. We need more trees, now, and we need to retain the ones we have wherever it’s safe to do so.

    THIS IS NOT THE END OF THE STORY, WE KNOW THAT TENSIONS STILL EXIST. The real measure of success will be achieving the vision for a greener, more collaborative Sheffield.

    The outcome of the Sheffield saga has far reaching consequences and that was always one of the driving forces for residents taking action – changing the system alongside their own battle. I would also like to recognise Liz Ballard CEO of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust in particular, for establishing and leading such AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO COLLABORATION to get us here

    SHEFFIELD WAS THE START OF A DEBATE THAT HAS LED TO SERIOUS REFORM: THE ENGLAND TREE STRATEGY, MANIFESTO PLEDGES TO CONSULT ON TREE FELLING, COMMITMENTS TO INCREASE CANOPY COVER, A £10MILLION FUND FOR URBAN TREES – WITH MORE TO COME.

    This week is also going to be important for street trees as conservative backbencher Chris Clarkson MP is bringing a ‘street tree bill’ for its second reading, aligned to the manifesto pledge for trees on all new streets.

    IF THE GOVERNMENT HAS A TREE STRATEGY, AND WILL REQUIRE COUNCILS TO HAVE A TREE STRATEGY, THIS ONE IS THE EXEMPLAR FOR HOW THEY SHOULD BE DEVELOPED – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALL STAKEHOLDERS, INCLUDING PROTESTERS AND CAMPAIGNERS WHO CAN BE A FORCE FOR GOOD. THAT WILL BE SHEFFIELD’S POSITIVE LEGACY.’

    CLIVE ANDERSON, barrister , broadcaster and president of the Woodland Trust, said:

    ‘How good to hear that the long running saga of Sheffield and its street trees may yet have a happy ending after all.

    WE NEED all the trees we can get, and ALL THE MATURE STREET TREES WE CAN HANG ON TO. Well done to the people of Sheffield and the campaign groups who have taken to the street trees and spoken out and campaigned on their behalf. Your voices have been heard. And well done to Sheffield Council for listening, AT LAST. I HOPE THE PEOPLE – AND THE LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN OTHER CITIES AND TOWNS UP AND DOWN THE COUNTRY HAVE LISTENED AND LEARNED AS WELL.’”

    SOURCE:
    https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/peace-deal-agreed-sheffield-tree-felling-war-ends-after-eight-year-battle-2913645

    http://web.archive.org/web/20200716003535/https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/peace-deal-agreed-sheffield-tree-felling-war-ends-after-eight-year-battle-2913645

    *****
    NOTES:

    Previous media communications on this have been extremely confusing. The sub-strategy for highway trees is already operational*. However, Amey are committed to annual review & revision. The real news is that, for the first time ever, the general public have opportunity to influence how things progress.

    * See:

    A)
    ‘NEW STRATEGY AIMS TO PROTECT SHEFFIELD’S STREET TREES FOR GENERATIONS’ (Essential Arb):

    GET INVOLVED WITH THE NATIONAL GARDEN BIRD SURVEY

    For comment on the earlier, ‘commercially sensitive’ SCC/Amey ‘strategy’ for highway trees, see:

    B)
    ‘VERY IMPORTANT TREE NEWS’ (5yr Tree Management Strategy):

    A review of some publications from the past

    C)
    ‘SCC & SYP INCOMPETENCE & MISREPRESENTATION’:

    Chris Packham in Sheffield to see for himself ……

    D)
    Friday 18th March 2016
    ‘TREE FELLING IN SHEFFIELD CRITICISED BY CONSULTANT’:
    http://www.hortweek.com/tree-felling-sheffield-criticised-consultant/arboriculture/article/1387442

    http://web.archive.org/web/20160331211809/http://www.hortweek.com/tree-felling-sheffield-criticised-consultant/arboriculture/article/1387442

    E)
    ‘HOW TO RETAIN MEMORIAL TREES’:
    (a letter that Mr Long sent to The Star, Sheffield Telegraph, The Yorkshire Post & The Guardian, dated 6th December 2017. Not printed):

    Great news and a small victory in the battle to save Sheffield’s street trees

    Reply

Leave a comment