Vandals snap and burn tree saplings planted at Bristol park

Several newly-planted trees have been snapped or set on fire at a park in Southmead in Bristol. The vandalism has been described as ‘completely awful’ by the community group which helped organise the planting.

At the end of last year, around 35 tree saplings were planted along the walkways and boundary of Doncaster Road Park before, in February, an orchard of 27 apple, pear and plum tree saplings were planted in one corner of the park.

The planting was done by volunteers, and was part of Bristol City Council’s One Tree Per Child scheme, which aims to provide more than 36,000 new trees planted in schools, parks and open spaces.

However, following the planting of the trees several have been targeted by vandals - some simpled snapped, others burned.

It has prompted the Friends of Doncaster Road Park and Embleton Playground to issue a notice asking people to report any damage witnessed. The notice reads: “Doncaster Road Park has been very fortuante to have recently had a varity of lovely new trees planted.

“However, it is just completely awful that several of the trees have since been damaged at various times. Some have been broke, and others have been burned. Please let the trees grow.”

Also involved in the project is Southmead councillor Kye Dudd, who is also a cabinet member at the council. He believes the problem at the park has come after a dispersal order at Glencoyne Sqouare moved some young people to the park.

He said work was now taking place to improve youth provision for all ages in the area. He added: “The tree planting was a case of two steps forward and one step back - we’ve all been devastated to hear the trees being destroyed.

“But the community is strong and determined to protect the work carried out.”

Anyone who has seen the trees being damaged is asked to contact the city council’s tree team at [email protected].