Friday November 21st 2025
The trees south of East Lodge, Innerwick, have been given a protection order
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Marie Sharp
Trees which make up part of an ancient woodland have been placed under special protection after council officers heard rumours they could be felled.
The collection of trees at Thurston, Innerwick, in East Lothian, have formally been granted a formal protection order which means they cannot be pruned or chopped down without prior consent from the local authority.
Failure to follow the rules can lead to hefty fines and additional legal action.
A report to councillors confirming the Tree Protection Order (TPO) said it was applied for after concerns about the future of the woodland, which lies south of the Listed East Lodge and cemetery.
It said: “It was brought to the attention of East Lothian Council that the woodland within a site where planning permission had recently been refused was in danger of being clear felled.
“On assessment of the site it was noted there were significant trees within the site important to both the amenity and cultural heritage of the area. Confirmation of this order has safeguarded the amenity value of this
woodland.”
The report said the trees formed an integral part of the boundary woodlands of the historic Thurston Garden and surrounding landscape with ancient woodlands shown on maps dating back to before 1850.
It said there were no objections lodged against the application for the TPO adding the loss of the trees would impact on the look of the landscape as well as damaging the biodiversity of the surrounding woods.
It added: “If this woodland was lost, it would impact significantly on the integrity of the designed landscape and visual amenity of this part of East Lothian.”
Tweet Share on Facebook
