I AM a frequent visitor to Ludlow, a place I love, and where I have family.
I was dismayed on my recent visit this year to see that there had been, at considerable cost no doubt, yet another arguably inappropriate 'formal' lime avenue tree planting along Castle Walk, following vandalism on the previous such initiative.
The extent of choked undergrowth and invading sycamore covering the banks on either side of the path, if unmanaged, do little to help any new planting.
In addition, on the river side, this neglect is now blocking glimpses and views of the river below which, I was reliably informed, had long been enjoyed locally and were now much missed.
Surely it would be more in the public and wildlife interest, in this richly natural area, to initiate judicious management and conservation along the walk with the help of local volunteers, retrieving lost views, reviving long dormant wildflowers at ground level, coppicing the many bramble-suppressed and struggling hazel species and restoring what might once have been a delightful 'nut walk'?
JANINE LOCKE
Kew
Richmond