I REFER to letters by Kent Brooks (December 29) and Andrew McCullagh (January 19) about the birch trees in Kendal’s Market Place, which must undoubtedly have been planted there specifically to enhance the built environment and which it would be a great shame to lose, along with their roosting pied wagtails.

I am not aware that these trees are nearing the end of their lives; has an arboriculturalist given this verdict or is it just wishful thinking on the part of those who would like to get rid of them?

No amount of man-made ‘improvement’ will make up for the loss of a little natural decoration and surely it is not difficult to avoid a small area of bird poo during the winter months?

The photograph above shows the roosting pied wagtails, which anyone can witness after dark when they are illuminated by street lights.

John Mounsey

Kendal