MYSTERY surrounds a reported offer of mediation by Natural England to resolve an ongoing conflict over the felling of more than 19 trees in the ancient Becky Addy Wood above Avoncliff.

The Friends of Becky Addy Wood (FROBAW), who wish to buy the wood from Bradford on Avon Town Council, claim that a senior adviser at Natural England, the government body for environmental protection, has made a highly unusual offer to mediate between the two parties.

At its full council meeting on September 6, the town council voted unanimously to withdraw its proposal to sell Becky Addy Wood. It claims that FROBAW failed to meet terms and conditions for the sale by agreed deadlines.

The council is now understood to be pressing ahead with plans to fell, lop or monolith a further 58 trees - even though FROBAW says the work is totally unnecessary.

A FROBAW spokesperson warmly welcomed “this generous offer of mediation”, which could allow the two parties to resolve their differences over the management of risk in the precious ancient woodland - one of the UK’s rarest wildlife habitats.

A FROBAW spokesperson said: “FROBAW is hopeful, because the council’s most recent surveyor now agrees that the risk from all remaining trees is “tolerable” according to Government safety guidance despite the footfall in the woods being greatly over-estimated.

“Three risk surveyors have now inspected the trees and agree the risks are tolerable yet the council still proposes further felling or severely cutting back 58 more trees."

FROBAW claims the Environmental Law Foundation has also welcomed Natural England’s extraordinary offer, which follows months of disagreement over the felling and lopping of trees in the wood, particularly those that overhang public footpaths.

Writing to the council, an ELF spokesperson stated: “This is an unusual and generous offer from NE and FROBAW have expressed their willingness to engage with this process and are keen to begin the process as a matter of urgency.

“We trust that the town council has also made a positive decision to accept this offer from NE as it would seem extremely important for local people to see the town council actively seeking a resolution to what has become a difficult situation in the community.

“This mediation, brokered by a Natural England environmental expert, offers the best hope that no tree will be needlessly felled in this rare ancient woodland.”

But a town council spokesman says: "We have spoken to Natural England and this offer is not on the table."

The Wiltshire Times is attempting to seek clarification from FROBAW and Natural England of whether a written offer has been made and whether the town council has responded.

The town council purchased Becky Addy Wood in April 2020 for £45,000 with help from a £30,000 donation raised by FROBAW members and supporters.

But earlier this year, the council began felling and lopping trees  on grounds of public safety in a move that angered FROBAW members who said it was totally unnecessary.

The claimed it would impact on the birds' nesting season and on bat movements through the wood.

The Friends group also claims the council has “over-estimated” footfall through the wood and that its actions were unjustified as the actual count in their six-week survey was much lower.

“FROBAW’s pedestrian count from May 15 to June 7 counted 46 people per 24 hours yet the council survey quoted a footfall of between 192 and 1,728 people per 24 hours, a massive over-estimate.”