Update on shade trees at Gloucester Olympic Pool

LAST week (22/10/2025) NOTA reported pool users’ dismay about the chopping down by MidCoast Council of two mature shade trees at Gloucester Olympic Pool, and their concerns that more trees might be felled, leaving little shade.

Since that report the Council has explained why the trees were cut down and its plans for the future of the remaining trees.

“Two large London Plane Trees have been removed, one each side of the 50m pool, and will be replaced with other shade trees in coming weeks,” explained a Council spokesperson.

“These trees have been removed as Plane Trees cause a number of issues around pools:

1. They have very invasive roots that seek out water, making their way into pool and stormwater pipework causing major works and expense. They can also work their way under paths causing them to lift. When the Hydro pool was built, works were undertaken to restrict the root spread but recently, we have seen evidence that the roots are spreading towards the pool.

2. The leaf drop occurs during the season that the pool is open and the large leaves make their way into the pool blocking up leaf screens and causing the pool to overflow overnight when there are not any staff to constantly clear the screens.

3. Staff are required to spend several hours each day during the leaf drop collecting the leaves before they enter the pool. This is either an additional expense or has to be undertaken by staff that are employed to watch the patrons in the pool.

4. The cost of trimming/pruning these trees is expensive, is required every one to two years, and doesn’t eliminate the issues and costs to pool operations.

5. The plan is to remove the one remaining London Plane tree once the newly planted trees have established and started providing more shade. This staged approach was undertaken to ensure as much shade as possible is retained during this change over of trees. The London Planes just outside the pool fence will remain.

“By replacing these trees with trees of a similar type to those closest to the hydro pool we will continue to have plenty of natural shade and will not be as impactful as the London Plane trees.”