Queens Gardens: Forty trees to be felled ahead of spruce-up

COMING SOON: An artist’s impression of how the refurbished Queens Gardens could look

By Simon Bristow

About 40 trees encroaching on a boundary wall in Queens Gardens are to be removed ahead of engineering works and the wider refurbishment of the gardens, which is due to start in May.

The trees, described as “poor quality” by Hull City Council, were found to be encroaching on the northern boundary wall along Queens Dock Avenue in a structural report commissioned by the council.

Work to remove them will begin on Thursday and is expected to be completed within seven days, ahead of the bird nesting season next month.

Two trees, an oak and a lime, which are not encroaching and are described as good quality species, will stay.

The engineering works which are scheduled to start in the coming months, with the wider refurbishment of the gardens due to take place to complement the Hull Maritime project.

For every tree removed, three will be planted in the gardens and other locations across the city.

The replacement species will provide a good source of nectar and pollen for birds, bees and insects to enhance biodiversity. The new planting will also add seasonal colour along the perimeter of the gardens, enhancing the surrounding colours and architecture of buildings. Some of the trees within the planting scheme are on the endangered species list.

Gillian Osgerby, project director at the council, said: “Due to the proximity to the wall, the report recommends the removal of the trees. The works will be done as quickly and as safely as possible, with little disruption to nearby businesses and the public.

“These precautionary measures ensure the safety of the public as well as protecting the structure of the wall along the northern edge of the gardens.”

Residents and businesses in the area have been made aware of the work.

The Queens Gardens refurbishment includes the improvement of accessibility and visitor flows to the gardens, as well as the introduction of bespoke pieces of public art, improvement of biodiversity and the regeneration of a much-loved open space.

The history of the gardens is being incorporated in its design, reconnecting it with the city’s maritime heritage its origins as a former dock.