Officials probe felling of trees at Gainford beauty spot

CONCERNS have been raised about wildlife safety after trees were allegedly cut down without permission near Gainford.

An investigation is underway after dozens of trees were felled on privately owned land which forms part of the bank on the north side of the River Tees between Gainford and Piercebridge.

The two-mile stretch runs adjacent to the Teesdale Way walking route.

The felling was reported to officials after walkers began to notice more and more disappearing from the land which is visible from the footpath. Officials are investigating if the work has been carried out without any licences being granted but it is not clear who owns the land.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “I got a big shock when I went down. It is unbelievable. Apparently it has been going on since summer. I have been told it started as trimming.

“We have been told that it has been done to give easier access for fishing. I have nothing against fishing. It is what is happening to the trees which is my concern. I am concerned about wildlife in our area. There are lots of natural habitats which have been destroyed. There are no birds because there are no trees. There is no wildlife in that area now.”

Durham Police received reports that otter holts had been disturbed in the process.

One resident said: “My main concern is that there have been disturbances of otter holts.”

However, Durham Police say they have liaised with the RSPCA and come to the conclusion that it is not a police matter.

A spokesperson from the RSPCA said: “It is worrying to hear that these otter holts have been disturbed during tree felling. Natural England handle licences concerning wildlife habitats and interference with them but we are happy to offer any assistance we can.”

The issue is being looked at by Natural England because it involves licences.

The Forestry Commission is also investigating.

A spokesperson said: “Advice for all owners before doing any tree felling is to check whether a licence is required.

“One is only allowed to fell five cubic metres of timber in any calendar quarter without a felling licence.

“That’s the approximate equivalent of two big trees. In addition, trees in urban areas may be covered by a tree preservation order so one should also check with the local authority.”

The worst affected area is said to be near to the water pipe bridge on the route towards Piercebridge.

The resident said: “We don’t want any more trees to be cut down. It exposes wildlife. Otters are doing very well. If their habitats are disturbed they will move away.

“The Teesdale Way is a popular walk. If tourists come and they walk along there is nothing there to see now. It is not how a riverbank should look.

“You don’t mind if the odd tree has to go but this is dramatic. If someone can come along and do that, will this open the way for people to cut trees down?

“It is like a free-for-all in our countryside. We want people to be more considerate.

“It would be nice to see the trees replanted but it would take years for them to grow back.”

The issue was raised during Gainford Parish Council's January meeting.

Chairwoman Cllr Lisa Johnstone said she had been in contact with the Forestry Commission, which in turn had spoken to the agent working on behalf of the landowner to fell the trees.

She said the agent had been unaware that a licence was needed and had stopped felling the trees.

Cllr Johnstone said a licence needed to be issued by Natural England for any felling that takes place within 30 metres of an otter holt.

Cllr Mark Charge added that there are also badger sets in the area.