Above: a splendid old lime recently pictured this week that has existed along with other mature trees for decades on Sandbrook Way.
Many residents understandably welcome the removal of the old eyesore buildings on Sandbrook Road/Way.
For years the rotting buildings have given the entire area a downtrodden feel. Nevertheless, others have become increasingly concerned for the welfare of the lovey mature trees in the Sandbrook Way precinct that ALDI may view not as wildlife sanctuaries and a part of our local green heritage – but just unwanted obstacles to be removed.
Above: a mature alder tree seen before its leaves appeared, on Sanbrook Way.
WORK ‘AROUND’ THE TREES AND INCORPORATE THEM INTO THE NEW LANDSCAPING TO BENEFIT THE AREA – INSTEAD OF TAKING THE LAZY ‘CHAIN SAW’ OPTION!
Ecological concerns: Construction work will threaten mature trees and wildlife in this peaceful space that is set to become a possible noise – ridden, gridlocked, nightmare for some. Red squirrels (a legally protected species) have been spotted in the area. Foxes also run through the area (travelling from the adjacent Woodvale Woodland into local gardens, as do hedgehogs.
https://pat-regan.blogspot.com/2026/03/aldi-ainsdale-right-store-wrong-place-or.html
In summer bats hunt over the trees. Various birds species utilise the trees on Sandbrook Way for nesting and roosting.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is a mandatory requirement in England’s planning system that ensures new developments leave the natural environment in a measurably ‘better’ state than before, with a minimum 10% increase in biodiversity.
It worth remembering that modern property buyers often prioritise ‘green infrastructure.’ Removing mature trees lowers the curb appeal and thermal comfort of these units. Thoughtless felling trades long-term property value for a slightly easier construction phase. Trees are a real asset to profit margins rather than a pesky ecological obstacle to tractors.
By removing established trees, developers are creating a ‘Biodiversity Deficit’ that may cost significantly more to offset off-site under BNG (Biodiversity Net Gain) regulations than it would to simply integrate the existing canopy into the design. Most developers know that Off-site mitigation is expensive and logistically difficult.
In these times of advanced technology would it really be too hard for ALDI to work around our lovely trees and actually incorporate them into the new development landscape – rather than simply destroy them?
Perhaps our local reps and councillors need to bear this in mind when the hammer finally drops on this new build.
It is indeed great news that the area is finally being ungraded, yet ‘not’ at the convenience – driven sacrifice of our old natural Woodvale heritage.