THE PUBLIC outcry that saved the beloved maple trees in Petersfield Square has led to a tree survey being carried out in the town.

Feelings ran high when East Hampshire District Council (EDHC) announced it was to fell the three trees for health and safety reasons at the end of last year.

The felling was postponed indefinitely after hundreds of people signed a petition calling for the trees to be saved.

Leading the campaign to save the trees was civic protection group The Petersfield Society, which is now to undertake the study over the summer with the help of volunteers.

Put in place after meetings with EHDC and tree wardens after the furore, this aims to give a comprehensive picture of the town’s trees and what can be done to better protect and maintain them.

It will investigate how many trees there are in the town and its environs, including those on the Heath, what their condition is, and what they contribute to health and well-being.

The trees in the town’s conservation area will be particularly documented, and there will even be a count of those in people’s gardens.

The survey is part of the implementation of the next stage of the Petersfield Neighbourhood Plan, and is supported by Petersfield Town Council, East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority.

It is being taken on by esteemed environmentalist Professor Andy Moffat, who has led soil sustainability and forest preservation programmes and is now a member of The Petersfield Society.

He said:?“By finding out the facts about our trees, we will be in a much better position to manage and maintain them.

“The threats from development, the impacts of climate change and new pests and diseases, mean that our trees need a helping hand.

“We need volunteers to help with the survey – full training and equipment will be provided.

“If there are enough volunteers, everyone can play their part with no one being asked to do too much.

“We want people to have fun, enjoy the summer, learn about our trees and contribute something special to the community.”

He hoped to complete the survey before the end of the summer and produce a report on the findings early next year.

Everyone taking part would be acknowledged and receive a free copy of the report.

Anyone who would like to help can contact the society by e-mail at: [email protected], call 0300 123 0787 or write to The Petersfield Society, Winton House, 18 High Street, Petersfield GU32 3JL