The Impacts of Storm Eunice on the New Forest

The Impacts of Storm Eunice on the New Forest

Climate change is a serious consideration for trees with the ever increasing number of storm events.  Since the end of November 2021, the UK has experienced seven named storms, with Storm Eunice on 18 February having a significant effect on the New Forest.

Storm Eunice brought major weather impacts, winds gusted at over 81mph in exposed coastal locations and a gust of 122mph was recorded at Needles Old Battery, Isle of Wight, setting a new England gust speed record. Winds gusted widely at over 69mph across southern England. The storm formed part of a turbulent spell of wet and windy weather across the area.

Tragically, four people died in the UK and Ireland, one in Alton, Hampshire, as a result of falling trees. There was major transport disruption due to train cancellations, roads were blocked by some 1,200 reported fallen trees, more than 120,000 homes were left without power and schools were closed across Hampshire.

Storm-damaged trees are still being identified, and the National Park Authority Tree Team continues to record emergency exempt works for protected trees, with some 25 notifications to date since 18 February.

New Forest District Council also dealt with 106 tree enquires in the days following Storm Eunice. The most major trees lost they recorded was in Shelley Road, Totton. A 120cm+ Oak on the banks of Calmore canal fell into a resident’s garden. As the houses are terraced, the only access to remove the tree was from the other side of the canal. A further complication was the National Grid wires – so a crane was strictly off limits. Work began to remove the tree on 28 March using a 20 ton digger to carry the logs over the canal.

Nik Gruber, Senior Tree Officer for the New Forest National Park Authority, said:

‘These storm events often heighten people’s apprehension of trees in their properties and can trigger unnecessary and inappropriate tree work applications. We encourage tree owners to get professional advice from a competent arborist to inspect their trees and carry out appropriate works.

We promote the advice given by the Arboricultural Association, reminding arborists, landowners and their advisors that many of the fallen trees and branches resulting from the recent storms can simply be left where they lie, as they will encourage biodiversity. Of course, fallen trees that are causing inconvenience by blocking roads, paths and some formal areas will need to be cleared – much of this emergency work has already been completed – and checks on remaining trees in high occupancy areas should be carried out following a logical priority. Fallen trees, away from public thoroughfares and safe from further collapse, will make fantastic homes for all sorts of biodiversity, and the space in the canopy they have vacated will allow germination of plants that have been just waiting for this moment to arise. Fungi too, are all ready to explore new food sources and, in the process, offer new habitats for invertebrates and other insects, creating opportunities for entire new ecosystems to evolve and develop.’

You can learn more about the work of our Tree Team here.

As we witness more devastating impacts of climate change, join us in the New Forest Climate and Nature Challenge. We can all help to protect the planet by living more sustainably and reducing our carbon footprint. Sign the pledge today to help preserve the New Forest for future generations.