The City Of Trees charity had planted saplings, including oak and hawthorn, on council owned green landThe site immediately after the planting project (Image: Coun Tracey Wilkinson)

Around 150 newly planted trees have been ripped up is what has been described as a ‘senseless act’.

A variety of British native trees, including oak, hawthorn, and crab apple were destroyed recently on the council owned South Avenue field in Kearsley, Bolton.

Around 300 saplings were planted in March as part of the City of Trees, a community forest charity working to create greener, healthier spaces across Greater Manchester.

Now around half of that number have been ripped out.

Farnworth and Kearsley First councillor Tracey Wilkinson said the loss of the trees was ‘incredibly frustrating and disheartening’.

Many of the newly planted trees have been pulled up (Image: Coun Tracey Wilkinson)

She said: “We are deeply disappointed to report that after the painstaking time and effort given by volunteers to plant and protect new trees on the South Avenue field in Kearsley, many of these trees have been deliberately pulled up.

“Following initial feedback from residents about the planting location, City of Trees and council officers took the time to meet with residents on site where a compromise was reached, and the volunteers returned the following week to relocate the trees to the rear of the council-owned site.

“It’s incredibly frustrating and disheartening to witness this destruction, especially after double the effort was put into making the scheme work for everyone.

“Let’s hope this senseless act doesn’t deter City of Trees from continuing their vital work in our community.”

She added that the matter had been reported and is currently being investigated by police.

The City of Trees charity aims to plant trees for people, combat the climate crisis, and boost wellbeing while enhancing green skills.

The Kearsley project, which was supported by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), saw 15 volunteers from NatWest Bank take part in planting the trees in late March.

At the time of planting Council Wilkinson said the trees had been ‘carefully selected to suit local conditions, ensuring they thrive long-term’.

The funding for the project includes 15 years of maintenance, covering pruning and thinning to reduce future management costs.