28 Nov 2006
Fully grown trees are being felled on Middle Meadow Walk right now for Quarter Mile developments – urgent action needed
As if the injustice in closing down a city-centre hospital to redevelop into offices, shops and luxury flats wasn’t bad enough, now trees are being felled in the name of private prosperity. Edinburgh City Council have given permission for the Quarter Mile developers to fell 10 trees (7 fully mature – one lime, and the rest Scotch Elm & Sycamore and 3 sapplings which will be replanted) along the Quarter Mile side of North Middle Meadow Walk. The felled trees, 6 so far and counting, will make way for pipelines to the development, shop fronts and a plaza.
Alarm bells were raised yesterday when it was noticed that Middle Meadow Walk had been closed for tree felling – 4 mature trees were cut down with one stump being at least a metre in diameter. This morning action was taken by a group of around 13 concerned residents who disrupted the felling by refusing to leave the area and linking arms around the trees to be felled. The felling was held up for an hour before the protestors were moved on by police. The last-minute nature of the protest and low turn-out meant that firmer action could not be taken.
Removing fully mature, healthy trees on public land to further corporate interests is wrong and adds insult to injury regarding the Quarter Mile disgrace. It was apparent however, that neither the tree fellers, building contractors nor police were happy about the trees being felled – but with their jobs and income at stake they felt obliged to continue.
It was unclear if all of the remaining trees would be felled today – if felling is continuing tomorrow take action, before all of our remaining green spaces are replaced by shop fronts and non-afordable housing.