Greenwich: Vandals strip bark from Plumstead Common trees

Images show that large segments of the bark surrounding the tree trunks have been torn off, and a number of trees have been left in a state beyond saving.

Greenwich Council released an appeal revealing the vandalism on Friday, May 14, and have urged anyone who has information or sees someone harming trees in the borough to get in touch with police.

They said they were "sad to say" that a row of young sapling trees in Plumstead Common have had their bark ripped off from the trunk, allegedly by vandals.

Greenwich Council: Targeted trees in Plumstead Common

The council said they are hopeful they can save four of the damaged trees, all of which were protected by wire meshing.

But the rest of the damaged trees will not make it, and will have to be replaced during the planting season this autumn.

Greenwich Council: Targeted trees in Plumstead Common

Commenting on social media, one person said they went to have a look at the damage, and described it was "bizarre" that someone had "spent time to strip around 20 saplings of their bark."

Another said it was unfortunately not a new problem, with chestnut trees planted on the common targeted in previous years.

One tweeter said they thought the cause was 'dog training,' with the trees bent down for their dogs to grab.

If you have any information about the culprits, you can contact Met Police on 101.