Harry Beynon

Not as simple as that. The club has consistently lost money (£200k per year) for many years. However, don't feel too sorry for the owners. They sold the business in the booming '90s for £4m then bought it back in the downturn for £1m. They have always held on to the top nine holes nearest to Belmont housing and will now sit it out 'til planning comes.

Thanks to all who have shown support for this initiative and in particular for the articles highlighting the academic case for urban trees. A growing (pun) number of people in Hereford are now behind this project and a meeting has been arranged with Stanhope/McAlpine in order to discuss the idea of extending the OLM planting scheme further into the city. The Hereford Tree Forum, The Woodland Trust, The Civic Society and Hereford in Bloom are all involved. Will keep you posted!

The academic arguments for urban trees are now well accepted but Hereford lags well behind other cities in this respect - High Town and Commercial Street each have only ONE tree! Ironically, when the OLM development opens it will feature dozens of trees. The OLM was sold to the Hereford public by promises of connectivity with the historic centre (and a cinema!) So, before Stanhope/McAlpine disappear, now is the time to insist the OLM planting scheme is extended beyond the new retail development and that a recognisable connection is created with the wider city. Anybody interested?