Trees felled near Cornwall Park's John Logan Campbell statue to improve fountain views

An Auckland Council spokeswoman said the removal of the trees was part of a resource consent by the Cornwall Park Trust.

A number of poplar trees are among 26 trees being cut down and replaced with native trees near the Logan Campbell monument in Epsom.

The Herald has been contacted by a woman, Helen, who was concerned to see half the poplars on Campbell Cres had been removed and other poplars and some natives had been marked with pink crosses for removal.

An Auckland Council spokeswoman said the removal of the trees was part of a resource consent by the Cornwall Park Trust for work around the monument, fountain and surrounding area of Cornwall Park.

This will improve and reflect the original design and intent of this area of the park, making it appear more open from Manukau Rd and restating the visibility of the heritage fountain, the spokeswoman said.

The work includes the removal of some trees, replanting and trimming, the construction of new paths, installation of park furniture and work in the protected root zone of some scheduled trees.

The replacement trees will be carefully selected and will be indigenous trees which will support native bird life and other fauna/flora to establish more strongly in the park as it regenerates, the spokeswoman said.

She said council was actively monitoring the works to ensure that they are undertaken in accordance with the approved resource consent.

Albert-Eden Local Board chairman Peter Haynes said the tree removal is part of a masterplan the Cornwall Park Trust developed a couple of years ago.

"The project is fully consented, council arborists were happy, and the trees are being replaced with natives."