FAMILY IN NARROW ESCAPE AFTER BRANCH FALL IN BUSHY PARK
A Teddington family had a lucky escape while out for a stroll in Bushy Park today when a huge tree branch fell near them.
Teddington Town reader Heather Tomlinson said: “A huge tree branch came crashing down within metres of me and my family when out walking in Bushy Park this afternoon.
“The tree is near the Hampton Wick gate in the garden which borders the park.
“We were walking along the path and all of a sudden there was an almighty crack and a huge branch came down onto the path.
“No one was hurt thank goodness, so it was a very near miss.
“I reported it to the Bushy Park management.
“Please send a warning out to the public to be aware as trees are obviously stressed after the heatwave.”
Earlier in the summer the Royal Parks issued a warning to visitors about the dangers of falling branches after the long period of dry weather and signs were mounted.
The phenomenon, sometimes referred to as “Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome“, is reportedly exacerbated by heatwaves and changes in tree moisture levels.
A Royal Parks spokesperson said: “During this period of extreme dry and windy weather, the trees across the parks are suffering more stress than usual, so there is an increased risk that they may drop branches suddenly.”
