TREES have been planted in memory of a man who dedicated his whole career to the science of arboriculture.

Officers from Cheshire East Council visited the Lovell Quita Arboretum, where they planted in trees in memory of their much missed colleague and senior tree officer Nigel Bates.

READ AGAIN> Residents concerned over plague of rats infesting Lower Peover

Nigel, who worked as a senior arboricultural officer for over 30 years, died in December 2019 at the age of 58 and is fondly remembered by his colleagues at the council.

Fellow tree officer Gary Newsome said: “Everyone loved him, he was extremely well liked and respected in the industry.

"He was generous with his time and advice, would always give you a straight answer and had a great relationship with everyone from his colleagues to all the tree surgeons in the area."

Knutsford Guardian: Council staff and volunteers from the Arboretum prepare the ground for planting (Credit Write Image for you Media)

Council staff and volunteers from the Arboretum prepare the ground for planting (Credit Write Image for you Media)

The five forestry officers are responsible for advising the planning service on the environmental impact of planning applications in the council area, tree preservation orders, hedgerow removal regulations and high hedge legislation.

“After we lost Nigel, many of his colleagues, both past and present, wanted to do something in memorial," explains fellow team member Emma Hood.

"He’d been a big influence on many people, so we raised a substantial amount of money and decided to plant three silver birch trees at the Arboretum in his honour.

"Silver Birch were a particular favourite of his and we hope he’d approve of this.

"It’s a beautiful setting and will be a lovely tribute."

There will also be a memorial bench located close to the newly planted trees.

Assisting the council team in planting the trees were Gary Hill of Bartlett’s Tree Experts and Rhoderic Taylor, Duncan Fyfe and Dave Thalys on behalf of the Arboretum.

The silver birches are located at the northern end of the lake at the 28-acre site, which is open to the public.

The Lovell Quinta Arboretum is located in Swettenham, behind the Swettenham Arms pub.

For more information visit www.lovellquintaarboretum.co.uk.

Dogs on leads welcome and entrance is £2.50 per person.