"A tree disease which is spreading through the South West of England has infected an avenue of Horse Chestnuts at Avebury, leaving the National Trust with little choice but to remove it.
"The avenue which runs along the A4361, north of the Avebury stones was planted by Alexander Keiller in 1937. He was the archaeologist and businessman who founded the Alexander Keiller Museum at the World Heritage Site. Today the southern end of the avenue is owned by the National Trust, the rest by a local landowner."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7829700.stm
And as its about a year to the date when planning was approved to let the 5 houses be built on the Bonds Garage site, words from the World Heritage Site officer written at that time seem appropiate, views from Windmill Hill will also be affected.....
"The proposed development is clearly visible from the banks of the Henge monument and would have a major impact on its setting, particularly during the winter months when the beech trees are without leaves."
and from the Land Conservation officer...
"The stand of horse chestnuts on the opposite side of the Swindon Road are dying from bacterial canker and once they have gone there will be open views from the site to Windmill Hill"
Denude a landscape of old established trees, and you need another lifetime to replace them ;)
