The ACT Government is renewing parts of Lennox Gardens to create a safer, healthier and more resilient urban forest, with 43 trees to be removed and replaced over the coming weeks.
The trees identified for removal are over-mature, structurally compromised, in poor health, dead or in decline. All removed trees will be replaced with species better suited to the site.
“While this will be a significant change for one of Canberra’s most iconic lakeside destinations, it is an important investment in the future of Lennox Gardens,” Senior Director Urban Treescapes, City and Environment Directorate, Rachael Dawes, said.
“Replacing these ageing and declining trees will help create a healthier, more resilient and diverse tree canopy that can be enjoyed by generations of Canberrans to come.”
In Canberra Nara Peace Park replanting will reflect a traditional Japanese garden style, guided by a plan developed in partnership with the Friends of Nara Park. The peninsula area will be replanted with a mix of conifer species to improve canopy diversity and resilience.
Wood harvested from the removal of the trees in Lennox Gardens will be reused as timber or mulch for government and community projects, helping to divert material from waste streams and maximising the ongoing community and environmental value of removed trees.
Lennox Gardens will remain open during the works, with temporary access restrictions and minor pedestrian and cyclist detours in place.
Quotes attributable to Dr. Chris Braddick, convenor of the Friends of Canberra-Nara Peace Park:
“It is sad to see the removal of the historic stands of moribund Himalayan Cyprus from Canberra-Nara Peace Park. However, future generations of park visitors will doubtless enjoy observing as the successor Japanese Black and White Pines mature into majestic trees.”
