Concerns about cutting down trees Falmouth Truro branch line

But Network Rail say the trees must be removed because of Ash dieback and were posing a safety risk.

Network rail has already begun work to completely clear all trees alongside the route from Falmouth to Truro.

Network Rail says managing vegetation alongside train tracks is vital to ensure smooth and safe railway operations.

Trees are being cut down along the Falmouth to Truro branch line alongside the B3292 (Image: Staff)

However, some environmental groups argue that overly reckless tree felling has had a severe impact, not only on the UK’s tree population, but on the wildlife that call them home.

Joe Lillis from Penryn contacted the Packet after seeing, what he thought, was excessive work being carried out on the section alongside the track at Trelusswell.

“They've cut down every single tree (many Cornish Oaks), even where the tree was way below the level of the track and couldn't fall onto it!”

He said they've now planned a new section up to Trescobeas Road and claims this may involve removing literally every single tree eight metres either side of the track.

“For most of this section of track, that's every last tree. We all want safe railways, but this work goes way beyond what's necessary - not one of the trees was pollarded or reduced in size instead.”

The view down the track from the Trelusswell end railway bridge (Image: Staff)

He said he received a letter on the September 16, notifying him of work starting on October 6.

“Only three weeks to try and get some answers. I feel that if people knew that this was about to happen, they might demand a more sensitive, careful approach.

“Much of this section of track is an everyday part of people's lives walking around the town.

“The public deserve the right to full detail of planned works, especially where they involve areas of near total tree clearance.”

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A Network Rail spokesperson denied they were removing healthy trees, and were only removing trees with Ash dieback. “Our contractors have removed trees that were found to have Ash dieback along one side of the railway line between Falmouth and Truro,” they said.

“Unfortunately, these trees were suffering from disease and could pose a safety risk if left in place.

“We carry out tree surveys before beginning any work to identify hazardous trees that need to be removed for safety reasons.

“As we continue our work and where it is safe to do so, we will retain healthy trees, including a number of Holm Oaks.”