Network Rail are to carry out work on trees on railway land in Palmers Green and Winchmore Hill.  The work, to  be carried out between 30th September and 11th October, will affect "approximately 10-12 trees" which have been identified by an arboricultural survey as dead, diseased or dying.

The approximate locations of the trees affected are shown on the maps.

Network Rail have stated that the work is necessary to maintain a reliable and safe railway and have pointed out that last year a diseased tree along the same stretch of line fell onto an overhead line stanchion - if it had fallen directly onto the railway it would have brought down the overhead lines and caused severe disruption and damage.

Before beginning the work, an ecological survey will be carried out and steps will be taken in regard to protected species and nesting birds.  Where appropriate, logs and branches will be left to create a safe habitat for wildlife.

The work will be carried out on Mondays to Fridays between 8am and 5pm.

Although Network Rail have stressed that only small-scale work on individual trees is planned and that none of the trees is subject to statutory protection, the announcement of the work is likely to provoke anxiety among local residents who recall the wholesale removal of trees from embankments in the Grange Park area which occurred in January 2011, drastically changing the appearance of the area and provoking widespread anger.