An engagement exercise to gauge local opinion of proposals to improve the conditions of the street trees along Heol Maengwyn (A489), Penrallt St and Pentrehedyn St (A487), and the additional planting of a further 12 trees within Machynlleth town centre, is now open until 16 September 2022.

In the 1980s, thirty street trees were planted along the town centre roads, within the conservation area. However, lack of foresight and the unfavourable urban conditions has meant that many of the original trees do not have sufficient space or correct conditions to thrive. In some instances, this has resulted in unstable or poorly grown trees, dead branches, roots lifting pavements and compromising nearby buildings and poorly placed trees causing obstructions.

Being on busy trunk roads (the A487 and the A489) the regular safety inspections of these trees has already resulted in the inevitable removal of some of the worst specimens. Further inspections have identified another seven trees which will need to be felled this winter.

North and Mid Wales Trunk Road Agent (NMWTRA) and the Welsh Government are proposing that once these additional trees are removed, a new replanting scheme is adopted to enhance Machynlleth town centre and provide improved planting conditions for replacement trees as well as potentially increasing the number of street trees from the original 30 to 42.

Losing trees can be emotive and although at first this appears to be sad news, it provides an ideal opportunity to improve the conditions of the remaining trees and a chance replant the felled trees in a more appropriate way – ensuring we choose the right locations, tree species and method of planting to guarantee their survival and presence within Machynlleth for years to come.

We are aware of the many benefits of urban planting. Trees not only improve our environments by looking beautiful, but they can also play a vital role in combatting the climate and nature emergencies we are currently facing by providing a haven for wildlife, offering shade, absorbing excess water, and improving air quality.

Having been planted within the town’s conservation area, there is a legal obligation to replace the trees which have already been, or are planned to be, removed. But we want to make sure this is done correctly so future generations can reap the benefits and enjoy the trees for many years to come.

Locals are invited to share their thoughts on the proposals to replace the old trees and plant an additional 12 trees within Machynlleth town centre. The proposals can be viewed online or in person at Y Plas Machynlleth, the Machynlleth Library, Caffi Alys and the Bowling Club. There will also be a drop-in session at the Bowling Club on Monday 5 September at 3-7:30pm, with a presentation at 6pm.