Heritage group backs campaign to save elms

Manx National Heritage has become the latest organisation to support a campaign to save a corridor of 25 mature elm trees in St Marks.

The organisation is calling for more research into felling alternatives but planners said the move, while regrettable, would improve road safety.

Naturalist Chris Packham called the decision "a disgrace" and Manx National Heritage is now calling for an urgent review into the planning process.

Director of MNH, Edmund Southworth said: "Our research suggests that the trees were planted in the mid-1800s as a deliberate act of landscaping along a new road probably only dating from the late 18th century. Their longevity, size and endearing shape can transform elms into features in their own right, which is possibly why they have such cultural significance".

"Due to Dutch Elm Disease, which started to affect Manx trees in the mid-1960s, over half the elm population has already been lost from the island.

"We would always urge that alternative to tree removal are thoroughly researched and considered. The situation at St Marks seems to suggest that there are flaws in this aspect of the planning system which needs to be reviewed as a matter of urgency".