Skip to main content
Donate
Island Lodge Tree Works, Bury

Island Lodge Tree Works, Bury

02.01.2026

Thank you to everyone who has shared comments and feedback about the work taking place at Island Lodge. We’ve summarised the key points raised, and included the details for you to take a look at below. It’s wonderful to know that the site means so much to people, and we are continuing to review the schedule of works so will update you all again soon.

Damage to wildlife and environment – Disturbing habitat of water birds and nesting birds.

We share your concern about nature and wildlife issues, and we are consulting with environmental experts to make sure that all works are being done in as considered a way as possible – including doing the work outside of nesting season. The aim of all the improvement works at Island Lodge is to make the site as safe and natural as possible, and to ensure that this is an area where wildlife / biodiversity thrives.

Project Scope

This particular project will focus only on the lodge, and the removal of vegetation. Main tree works should be tackled at the end of February 2026, and undergrowth issues will be tackled after this has been completed.

Maintaining the work once its done.

The Council will be responsible for maintaining and monitoring the land around the lodge after the works have been completed and will be monitored as such to ensure it is being carried out sufficiently.

Cutting down trees and hedges goes against climate issues.

The only trees being removed are the ones that the Environment Agency say MUST be removed to meet legal safety requirements of the Reservoirs Act 1975 to prevent damage to the lodge structure. Removing these trees will help the structure of the lodge remain strong and fit for purpose – reducing the risk of structural failure and the potential risk of properties nearby being flooded. The Council are considering how they can plant more trees, in safer and more suitable spots, close to the lodge in the future.

How will this work protect us?

Bury Council have been informed that this work is essential and are obliged to carry out the works. Engineers have advised that the trees, shrubs and plants are not making the sides more stable unfortunately – and therefore work must be done to ensure that the lodge doesn’t breach and flood the land and homes nearby. Keeping the embankments free of trees and shrubs will allow us better visibility of the structure when the monthly safety inspection is carried out.

What access will there be around the lodge whilst work is taking place.

Although access to parts of the site will be prohibited while contactors are working, the site will remain open for fishing and walkers – but please do take care if you see any contractors or machinery when you visit. We expect work to begin in later February 2026 and last up to 4 weeks.

 

28.11.2025

Bury Council are working on a project to protect Island Lodge, Bury. The proposals include removing all vegetation including trees, shrubs and brambles from the southern embankment (see black line on the map). Small trees on the eastern embankment (see the dashed black line) will also be removed. The larger trees will remain and be pollarded as shown on the photo below. This work is required by the Environment Agency in order to meet legal safety requirements of the Reservoirs Act 1975, and to make sure that the lodge doesn’t breach and flood the land and homes nearby. Keeping the embankments clearer will also allow better visibility of the area when safety inspections are carried out.
We expect work to begin in January / February 2026. Contractors will be on site for up to 4 weeks, and the works will be completed before the bird nesting season begins. If you have any comments about the project, or if you would like to be kept up to date about the project directly via your email, then please click here: Island Lodge Tree Works
Island Lodge plans for tree works Nov 25 v1