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'Do not sit under trees', council warns park-goers

Victoria Cook
BBC London
Harrow Council A large tree is shown with a large branch broken off, in a park Harrow Council
This is one of two separate "sudden branch drop" incidents at Stanmore Recreation Ground

People have been warned not to sit underneath or near trees after a number of large branches fell suddenly in some north-west London parks.

Safety notices were issued by Harrow Council after branches fell in Stanmore, Hatch End and Pinner. No one was reported to have been injured.

The council said it was due to Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome, which has no known cause, but heatwaves and changes in tree moisture levels could be a factor.

Additional inspections have been made of trees in parks, near play areas and outdoor gyms, the council said, and none so far have been found to be hazardous.

A sign explaining the dangers of Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome, and advising people not to sit near large trees
Signs have been placed in parks and green spaces across the borough of Harrow

The council asked the public to be aware of the issue, and to report any concerns with local trees via their website.

It added: "Trees are vital to our environment and wildlife, and we remain committed to maintaining and growing our tree stock.

"They provide better air quality, reduce flooding, and is good for mental health and wellbeing."

SUDDEN BRANCH DROP

  • Affects large trees such as oak, beech and horse chestnut
  • Can occur after a long dry spell, especially if followed by a sudden downpour
  • Branches often fall in calm conditions
Buckinghamshire Council A tree with a very large limb broken off Buckinghamshire Council
Buckinghamshire Council also shared this photo from Denham Country Park in June, and advised visitors to the area not to shelter or picnic under large trees

In 2012, a woman was killed at Kew Gardens after a branch fell unexpectedly from a tree in the the Royal Botanical Gardens.

Kew Gardens referred to the incident at the time as a "terrible freak accident".

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