Castle Rising estate owner Lord Howard confirms cut-down trees will be replanted amid conservation concerns

Residents have spotted a number of trees cut down within a conservation area - so why is this allowed?

If you have driven through Castle Rising recently, you may have noticed some trees have been felled on the estate.

But fear not - the area is mostly commercial woodland consisting of Corsican pine and does not meet the threshold for special protection. Therefore, consent was granted for the clear felling of the site last year.

The trees are soon to be replaced as Lord Greville Howard, who owns the land, has confirmed he plans to replant and regenerate the area with native hardwood in line with his felling licence requirements.

“It was not a commercial decision, but it will be much more beautiful,” he told the Lynn News.

Clear felling refers to the removal of all or most of the trees in an area, but usually requires the establishment of similar woodland cover to replace it.

The replanting will ensure that tree cover is maintained in the long term to help protect wildlife habitats.

A spokesperson for West Norfolk Council said: “The Forestry Commission has assessed the woodland and issued a felling licence, indicating that they are satisfied with the proposed management approach.

“This approval suggests that the planned works align with sound forestry management principles.”