Colville Estate residents step in to save magnolia trees

The tree savers in Shoreditch Park

Magnolia trees on the Colville Estate that were at risk of being damaged and possibly destroyed by building work have been saved after a residents’ group intervened.

The trees, which were formerly located on Bridport Place, were dug up and successfully replanted in the greener pastures of Shoreditch Park.

Anthology, the developer behind the nearby Hoxton Press scheme, collaborated with residents, the council and a specialist tree removal firm to safely carry out the delicate transplanting operation.

Michael Jones, of the Colville Estate Tenants and Residents Association, approached the property developer and appealed for their help in saving the young trees.

He said: “The local community surrounding the Colville Estate care deeply about our surrounding neighbourhood and the works that are currently taking place. We were delighted when Anthology was as keen as we were to help preserve the wildlife and nature that surrounds the area.”

David Newey, Project Director at Anthology Hoxton Press, contacted the council and tree removal experts and soon a plan was formed.

“In a bid to avoid the trees from being destroyed, we approached Hackney Parks to discuss moving them to Shoreditch Park,” Mr Newey said.

“With the support of the local community, expert tree removal firm Ruskins and our construction team, we are delighted that the trees have now been successfully replanted just a short distance away.”

Transplanting trees to new surroundings is a delicate business – the more established the specimen, the greater likelihood it will suffer stress and not adapt well to the change.

Mr Newey added: “We understand that by moving the trees, there is always a chance they may not take to their new environment.

“However, over the coming weeks, we will be closely monitoring the progress of the trees.

“We will do all we can to ensure they survive and continue to prosper.”