POLLARDING ON THE COMMON

If you’ve walked along Wellington Hill this week, you may have noticed tree surgeons at work on the edges of the Common, cutting back the tall lime trees opposite the church. It looks a bit drastic, but this process, known as pollarding, is an age-old tree management technique that dates back to Roman times and, along with coppicing at ground level, is done to keep certain trees at a manageable size. Many of Britain’s oldest veteran trees have survived thanks to this careful management.

Historically, regularly cutting trees above grazing height, communities could produce a renewable source of firewood, animal fodder and building material without damaging the main trunk or killing the tree. In many ways, it was an early form of environmental management that balanced human need with natural regeneration.

Why do we pollard today?
Nowadays, particularly in urban environments, it helps to control tree size, prevent interference with buildings or power lines, and maintain light levels for pedestrians, traffic and nearby houses. Regular pollarding can even extend a tree’s life. By reducing the weight of heavy branches, it lessens the risk of storm damage and helps trees remain strong for generations. 

Benefits for wildlife
Beyond the visual effect, pollarded trees are ecological treasures. The hollows and cavities that develop over time provide valuable habitats for a wide range of wildlife – from beetles and other invertebrates to nesting birds and roosting bats. Over time, they become miniature ecosystems in their own right, with decaying wood, mosses and fungi supporting countless small species. Together, these trees form part of a valuable wildlife corridor across the Common and beyond, linking local green spaces such as Badock's Wood, Clifton Downs and the Stoke Park Estate, and supporting local biodiversity year-round.
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So, although it can look harsh, pollarding is a vital part of caring for the landscape. By spring, the "knobbly" knuckles will sprout new growth and the cycle will start again... keeping our mature trees healthy and safe while supporting local wildlife for years to come.