Work of volunteers is to be applauded
Principal of Uckfield Community Technology College Craig Pamphilon said:
'Lime Tree Avenue borders the College and it is an attractive and functional asset for us. Many students and staff walk along the Avenue on a daily basis; for them it is a part of their everyday experience. So far as teaching is concerned the Avenue has provided a focus for students in a variety of curriculum areas including Art, Horticulture, and Science. The work of volunteers in keeping the undergrowth under control, and in pressing for improvements including replanting, is to be applauded. The importance of this conservation and monitoring was shown only recently when high winds toppled an aged Poplar tree literally in front of me! That experience showed the need for a close and careful management of the resource; and also focused the attention of a wide variety of people to this haven.
'The College welcomes plans for the conservation of this local landmark, and would hope to be fully involved in the tree planting as the new Limes take the place of the Poplars and thereby complete Lime Tree Avenue for future members of the College and the local community to enjoy and use.' (Added to site July 15, 2008)

 

'My attention was brought to this landscape feature some two years ago by Lime Aid seeking advice on its management. As a result I have freely advised them in support of a public campaign to retain and restore the Avenue, as a major public benefit, and to support those people trying to achieve their purpose.

'The retention and conservation of historic landscapes are increasingly recognised as being of national benefit and Avenues pose complex issues which I am pleased to advise on free of charge. There is clearly public benefit in the work of Lime Aid and this has already led to many improvements for the trees.'

 

 

'I have been greatly impressed by all that Mike Benians and Lime Aid have achieved in such a short space of time. This is one of the most historic and impressive avenues of trees in Sussex and it is of great importance to the town that it is preserved and kept safe. It is essential that work is carried out to ensure that the avenue is kept safe and it is truly impressive how Lime Aid has involved so many people from the local community in the work to keep the trees healthy and well-maintained.
'Such work is inevitably long-term and on-going and I would strongly support steps to put Lime Aid on a permanent basis, with charitable status.'

 

 

Wealden District Council's Landscape and Arboriculture Assistant Richard Webber said:
‘I am pleased to give my support to Lime Aid. There is a strong body of volunteers on the Lime Aid team who are doing a great job - there is no doubt about that! It is heartening to see the community involvement, with local people contributing to make Lime Tree Avenue safer for everyone and preserving their local heritage.'

 

 

 

Uckfield Town councillor Duncan Bennett said:
‘If the trees in Lime Tree Avenue are not looked after they will disappear and that must not be allowed to happen because they are one of the last vestiges of the old Uckfield House Estate.
‘Very little remains to show that Lord Rupert Nevill had a home there, which was visited by royalty, and the avenue should be properly maintained for both aesthetic and historical reasons.
‘People appreciate their environment and would benefit from the avenue being a properly managed right of way that isn’t overgrown, dark and intimidating for people to walk down.
‘With the epicormic growth cut back, by Lime Aid volunteers, the space has opened up between the trees and more light gets in at night. It is a better place to be without a question of doubt.
‘The very act of a community coming together to undertake restoration and maintenance, as co-ordinated by Lime Aid, is a community benefit.
‘It would be lovely to think that all the trees were in single ownership and properly managed for the future. I can’t imagine individual private owners, in this day and age, having the disposable funds to keep them up to a safe standard.’ (Added to site: Tuesday, March 25, 2008)

 

 

 

Uckfield mayor Cllr Louise Eastwood said:
'Lime Tree Avenue is part of Uckfield’s history and offers peace and tranquillity in the centre of a busy town. Hundreds of people access it every single day and this is why it should be maintained to a safe satisfactory standard.
'The residents need help in maintaining the avenue. At one point it was becoming very dilapidated and it is too much to ask individual home owners to cover the costs of looking after a heavily used right of way.
'To ease the burden on the financial aspect of this project it would be better for East Sussex County Council to take over, but as with any project it needs to be brought up to an acceptable standard and the residents cannot afford to do this alone.
'I have always fully supported Lime Aid and thank all those involved for their hard work. I wish them well for the future.' (Added to site: Friday, March 21, 2008)