So, here’s a chance to use your new-found lobbying skills… There’s a petition about trees in Alexandra Park that, we think, deserves your signature.
“Around 280 trees that have been a feature of the park for 40-108 years are going to be felled to make room for planters and numerous tennis courts. Alexandra Park has always been a necessary green oasis for wildlife and people in a built up urban area. Please sign the petition to show Manchester City council and Heritage Lottery Fund how many people object and to save these beautiful trees!”
You can sign it here.
UPDATE 4th Dec 2012: But please read this first!
manchester climate monthly 
Since writing the following, I’ve since signed the petition. I’ve also watched a great video pointing out the vital flood defence functions that stand to be lost for the local area. – But, given some of the arguments attempted in justification for the plans, I thought I’d post my own responses for those interested to read:
(COPY OF WHAT I WROTE IN RESPONSE TO RELATED E-MAILS I RECEIVED):
Hi, I’ve read all of the e-mails below (along with the other related e-mails in my inbox) with keen interest and have still decided to go ahead and sign the petition;
In response to some of the points below: I am not from America; nor am I new to the area. What I am, is concerned that any biodiversity initiatives do not come at the expense of precious already existing trees. (No matter how much money’s on offer… – In my view, these days, sizeable sums of money on offer quite often dictate all sorts of agendas…)
As has been aptly pointed out below, these trees have already well-proven their merits by the very fact that they have withstood all that has been described below. Surely, if anything, this should teach us something of their worth?
That is not to say that I’m not appreciative of the need for bio-diversity – As a long-term active member of Birchfields Park Forest Garden, I am greatly aware of its need (although it should be noted that I can’t speak on behalf of the rest of our Forest Garden, nor the rest of the Friends of Birchfields Park) – But to my mind, the trees’ long-term existence in itself proves them a vital component of the local existing wildlife’s make-up. On top of their aesthetic qualities and historical merits, they additionally carry their own practical benefits, create their own wildlife habitat, and I wonder how fruit trees and berry bushes would measure up to their huge oxygen-generating capacities in this polluted city? – Like I said, these are just my personal opinions but I’m going to sign the petition now.
Best regards, Yasmin Quayyum.