Bid to cut back trees around ancient stone circle
BBCTrees around an ancient stone circle and the village it encloses could be cut back under National Trust plans.
Avebury in Wiltshire is the UK's only village within a stone circle and the site is managed by the trust on behalf of English Heritage.
The National Trust's countryside office has applied to Wiltshire Council for permission to fell or cut back 14 trees which are in a conservation area, for reasons including potential damage to structures and safety.
A spokesperson for the trust said the list included an overgrown Leylandii that should be felled to ground level before it caused further damage to a sarsen stone wall.
The trust said the tree, at Silbury House, was also having an impact on an adjoining yew tree.
Other trees in the proposal include one suffering from Ash Dieback. It was described in the application as needing further pollarding.
Within the grounds of Avebury Manor a large branch is said to be in danger of falling and needs to be removed from a mature sycamore and another needs to be removed as it is overhanging the village car park.
A decision on the trust's application is due to be taken by Wiltshire Council by the end of January.
Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
