As a retired forester I have looked very closely at the twin Birches in the Market Square at Kendal. I also read the previous letters on this subject.

Yes, the trees are getting too big for their box, but there is a solution to this problem, not involving felling them.

The trees need to be narrowed and slightly lowered; this in my experience is best done late July/early August.

With a knowledgeable person in a cherry picker they could be beautifully shaped, a maximum of one metre to start with. This could be repeated when or if necessary. Birch usually respond well to this treatment.

There could be a containerised garden below, mirroring the canopy and planted with flowers that love Pied Wagtail droppings - there must be some!

This could be called the Wagtail Garden, so the trees and the very special Pied Wagtail roost would be properly highlighted and become an attractive part of the new plans for the Market Square.

Cliff Brown

Retired Forester

Kendal