Morden Park: Trees cut down without permission

The Friends of Morden Park, a group of volunteers who help maintain the park, said it was home to hundreds of at-risk species of flora and was a site of importance for nature conservation.

They described their shock at discovering the felled trees and said they had not been consulted, as is standard practice when there are any changes to the park.

Simon Wicks, a nature enthusiast and frequent visitor to Morden Park, said access to green space was important for mental and physical health.

He added: “We are aware of the extent to which nature is being depleted all over England, and the importance of having these green oases among our living areas.

“Morden Park is astonishingly rich naturally; for example, half of the UK’s butterfly species have been identified within the park.

“So any damage to habitat is going to have a consequence.”