People have criticised the council for "sanitising" Lion Wood in their efforts to build accessible path for walkers and cyclists and improve flood management measures.

Walkers have described their shock at the sight of the cut trees (Image: Newsquest)

Trees near the Wellesley Avenue North entrance have been cut (Image: Newsquest)

The council cut down sycamores, which it says it planted, ash trees and a small number of oaks that were "either dead or unable to grow into healthy trees because of how close they were to other trees".

City Hall says the removal of the trees is to make way for a new wider path for walkers and cyclists and to install natural features like ponds to "protect the woodland and reduce surface water flooding for nearby homes".

Norwich City Council has recently carried out tree work in the park (Image: Newsquest)

But people out enjoying the woods say the council is ruining its idyllic setting.

Jennifer Woods, who was walking through the nature reserve with her husband, Richard, said: "It drives me mad. It's almost like they've got the budget to spend so they have to find something to spend it on.

Jennifer and Richard Woods say it "spoils" the point of Lion Wood (Image: Newsquest)

"Lion Wood is the last bastion of the city's woods. Its natural and wild and that's how it should stay. I understand the argument for making it accessible but it's sanitising a wild area."

Lorna Page and Jackie Jones, friends of 29 years, were shocked at the sight of the felled trees.

Ms Jones said: "I am just far away enough that I did not hear the trees being cut but we were really shocked last week at the openness it has caused."

Best friends Lorna Page, left, and Jackie Jones with Ralph (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Page said: "The trees are lovely and I wonder how long have they been here? I get some areas will need the path but there is a time and a place for it."

Ann Thacker, who walks her dog Marley through the woods about three or four times a week says the plans are "unnecessary".

She said: "Leave it alone. I love the freedom I feel when I come into an area like this. There's the sound of the birds and it's quiet and that's how it should stay."

Ann Thacker walks through the woods about three times a week (Image: Newsquest)

Ms Thacker pictured here with her four-year-old dog, Marley (Image: Newsquest)

'CAREFULLY PLANNED WORK'

Norwich City Council has defended the tree work saying it follows a consultation it held in April 2025.

It has also said the felling was supported by its specialist tree consultant.

Mike Stonard, leader of City Hall and chairman of the Greater Norwich Growth Board, which partially funded the project, said: "This project is a brilliant example of how the Greater Norwich Growth Board is investing in sustainable infrastructure that benefits both people and the environment.

Mike Stonard, leader of Norwich City Council (Image: Brittany Woodman/ Newsquest)

"By supporting schemes like this, we can improve everyday access for local communities while strengthening our natural spaces and increasing resilience to flooding.

"It’s exactly the kind of thoughtful, future‑focused investment we want to see across Norwich."

Emma Hampton, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for climate and environment, said: "Lion Wood means a great deal to local people, and we want this project to support the long‑term health and enjoyment of the woodland.

"By using natural materials and thoughtful design, we can make the area more accessible while helping reduce flooding for residents."

Emma Hampton, deputy leader of Norwich City Council (Image: Submitted)

The woods are situated between Pilling Park and Telegraph Plantation - the adjoining wood - in Thorpe Hamlet.

It used to be part of Thorpe Woods, which is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, which dates the reserve back 940 years.

The landscape of the wood includes dramatic slopes, hills and valleys, which are believed to have formed during the period of Wolstonian stage, a cold period in the Middle Pleistocene when ice sheets and freezing conditions affected much of lowland Britain.

To be classed as an ancient woodland an area needs to have been a persistent woodland since the 1600s.

© Norwich Evening News