Illegal felling of over 100 trees in Beckenham

On the morning of Saturday 10 June over 100 trees were illegally felled in a local field off Cator Park that is widely used by dog walkers. The field contained many 20-year-old oak trees and was a haven for bats and birds, such as kingfishers and woodpeckers.

Bromley Council had recently placed a tree preservation order (TPO) on the site. The police were called and, later, issued a statement: ‘Officers responded and spoke to a man, aged in his 30s, advising work to cease. Officers returned after they were informed that the felling had continued. One man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and taken into custody. He was later released on bail. A number of items of tree felling equipment were seized.’

Our LibDem Rep for Penge, Andrew Coleman, who has lived in the area for 30 years and walks his dog in Cator Park, visited the field and recorded the scene of devastation. The site has subsequently been visited by ITV and BBC news teams who recorded interviews with the London Branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE). Our Penge Rep pointed out that this land has a designation as Metropolitan Open Land and should be afforded the same level of protection as the Green Belt, which protects areas of landscape, recreation, nature conservation. This episode has shocked our local community. We are all saddened by the loss trees and of wildlife habitat. 

Bromley Council, have advised that they are aware of this very sad incident and is investigating. The young woodland was protected by a Tree Preservation Order and it is in that context that Councils investigation is continuing. This is a serious matter, with anyone who is found guilty of committing an offence (contravening Section 210 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990) could be fined up to £20,000 at a Magistrates Court or an unlimited fine at Crown Court.