I have now had a response from the council’s landscapes services about the little forest at the west end of the Newtonhill Park. Officers concede it was an error to proceed with this planting without notifying councillors and “this is something we need to rectify for future work.”

Here is what I have been told: “Community councils also should be made aware of our proposals, along with relevant groups such as NEAT who were singing our praises a couple of weeks ago.

“From what correspondence I have seen I believe most complaints relate to the proliferation of tree shelters and the immediate visual impact they have, rather than the trees themselves. The area planted is an extension to a group of trees planted a few years ago and is being done at this time simply because we generally plant trees in the winter/early spring, nothing to do with surplus budgets.

“The area of open grassland remains extensive at this park with new trees only taking up a small percentage of available ground and the intention is to create informal footpaths through them so residents can walk between the trees as they develop and grow. We do tend to plant quite densely and in large numbers to increase the overall success rate and if necessary we can thin them out as time goes on.

“As a general note it is likely we will be planting increasing numbers of trees in future years to assist with increasing biodiversity by creating woodland habitats including much more fruit tree planting than we have previously done.   Where appropriate we are also likely to increase planting of ornamental species to provide colour and interest. There are implications in terms of reducing areas of grass requiring regular cutting, but this is not the sole reason for increased tree planting, which itself does require a suitable maintenance regime to be implemented at least until trees are well established. That said, budgets are under increasing pressure as you are aware and we have to prepare for what lies ahead in that respect. This is one method by which we can sustainably reduce costs over a longer term, yet still provide horticultural and amenity interest.

“With regard to species – trees here include varieties of alders and willows and beech amongst others.

“We do accept the tree guards are visually intrusive and have given thought to removal of at least some, but believe its best we leave them for the time being to help maintain survival rates. They will be reduced in number as the trees grow, become more firmly rooted and are better able to withstand the elements themselves.”