Removal of Douglas Fir trees – an apology and an explanation

We recently removed a group of Douglas Fir trees along Beatson Road as part of a larger project to add lights to the popular Railway Reserve shared pathway.

Many in our community expressed concern that these trees were removed, and we appreciate that they have been a longstanding feature of the Nelson landscape and their removal may have come as a shock. 

We understand this frustration and apologise that this work happened without prior notice.  

We, too, appreciate the value of trees, and removing them is not something we ever do without thought or good reason.  

In fact, we prefer planting trees to removing them. We’ve planted nearly 300,000 trees across the Nelson region over the last three years through Project Mahitahi and our Sustainable Land Management programme, and our Parks and Reserves team will be planting 65,000 plants and trees this upcoming planting season alone.  

However, there are sometimes situations where trees do need to be removed. This might be because a tree is diseased or dangerous, or that its size and position is affecting infrastructure that people rely on.  

In this instance, the Douglas Fir trees were situated in a small area in the middle of the shared pathway. As the trees grew, their roots expanded until they were pushing up against the pathway, creating a bumpy, uneven surface that was difficult for some people to travel along safely.  

The Railway Reserve is used by hundreds of people every day—from recreational cyclists, runners and walkers to commuters, schoolchildren, dogwalkers and people using mobility scooters. These users all have different needs and abilities.  

Removing these trees enables us to straighten and renew the pathway so that it is safe for all users, without incurring additional cost to the ratepayer.  

Alongside this safety hazard, the location of these trees was also in conflict with plans to add lights to this section of the Railway Reserve, a feature the community has been requesting for years.  

In August 2020, we received a petition from nearly 600 Nelsonians requesting an urgent business case to explore lighting the Railway Reserve. Petitioners argued it was unsafe to travel along the pathway during the darker winter months.  

We sought feedback on whether to fund this project during consultation for Council’s Long Term Plan 2021/31. The project was approved, and funding was allocated.  

Work is now underway to install LED lights along this first section of the Railway Reserve.  

These lights meet the NZTA standards for light spill and glare and adhere to the International Dark Sky Association’s Five Principles for Responsible Outdoor Lighting, providing sufficient lighting for path users while minimising light spill onto nearby properties.  

Once the work to install the lights is complete, the area will be replanted with a variety of plants and trees.  

We initially planned to plant only natives here, but following further consultation with staff and contractors, we’ve decided to plant a variety of both native and non-native deciduous trees that will blend with the existing ones already found in the area. 

New trees will be situated so they can offer shade to pathway users without their roots damaging the renewed path.