WOODLAND in a Nelson park is being thinned to help the trees grow.

A survey of trees in Marsden Park found many of the park's sycamore, oak and beech trees, which are between 60 and 120 years old, have been planted too close together and formed a dense canopy.

This means they are competing for light, nutrients and water and so the trees have become spindly with high, narrow crowns, or deformed and the ground layer beneath the canopy of trees is sparce with fewer woodland grasses, bluebells and wild garlic growing.

Now tree felling will begin next week in a bid to help the remaining trees and plants.

Coun Mahboob Ahmed, Executive Member for Parks, said: "The consultants recommended a tree thinning regime to allow more light through to the ground layer.

This will help protect the future of the existing woodland as well as improving conditions for future tree plantings.

"The consultants' survey also showed that there are around 30 poor and structurally unstable trees in the park, and recommended that these should be removed.

"Stumps from these trees and some of the felled timber will be retained in the park to encourage more wildlife."

This woodland management work is part of the restoration of Marsden Park, partially financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund.