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Original poster

Closing parts of a garden due to winds

120 replies

OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 12:51

I'm in the NW and a RHS garden centre has closed areas due to winds and trees possibly falling. The garden centre has established trees for many decades and they've closed many areas of the garden due to winds. Yes it is windy today, don't believe it's a severe weather warning and winds seem to be 43mph.

Aibu in thinking that's over the top to close any area with trees?

OP posts:
gamerchick · 25/05/2025 13:25

Ask to speak to the manager

TrolleySong · 25/05/2025 13:24

Serencwtch · 25/05/2025 13:22

Maybe write to them & suggest that they cut down any ancient, rare trees that pose a risk as you are a member & have the right to access all areas at all times.

A 200 year old oak will just have to get the chop. Maybe they could replace with younger trees or shrubs that are less likely to fall down in the wind.

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Yes. This is exactly what the OP should do to avoid further inconvenience.

Hall84 · 25/05/2025 13:23

Also in NW. A gazebo has put a massive hole in the roof of the house opposite. The park isn't closed as far as I know but was earlier in the year because of the wind. I can understand they wouldn't want to risk it.

Serencwtch · 25/05/2025 13:22

OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:17

No, it's about 2/3 of the garden that's closed, if not more.

And I have a membership, so no refund.

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Maybe write to them & suggest that they cut down any ancient, rare trees that pose a risk as you are a member & have the right to access all areas at all times.

A 200 year old oak will just have to get the chop. Maybe they could replace with younger trees or shrubs that are less likely to fall down in the wind.

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:21

PsychoSyd · 25/05/2025 13:20

Roads are closed in Yorkshire & Cumbria (& probably other parts of the U.K. that I don't know about) in high winds.

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Due to what? We are also not in that part.,I drove to this

OP posts:
Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:21

PinkArt · 25/05/2025 13:15

It sounds like you'd rather they don't risk assessment and they don't close for safety reasons if they think there's a need?
It isn't you who'd have to face the consequences if they ignored their RA and opened anyway, if something was to happen.

If something was to happen it would happen to me so I would be facing the consequences.

OP posts:
PsychoSyd · 25/05/2025 13:20

OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:09

Ever think why parks aren't closed due to winds..or roads...

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Roads are closed in Yorkshire & Cumbria (& probably other parts of the U.K. that I don't know about) in high winds.

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:20

KumquatHigh · 25/05/2025 13:17

Yes, they did walk slowly now you mention it. I thought it was because they never usually have to do anything.

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Yeah lol. They have to walk

OP posts:
KumquatHigh · 25/05/2025 13:17

OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:12

You mean walk slowly. They aren't allowed to run or be fast, health and safety. No leaping.

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Yes, they did walk slowly now you mention it. I thought it was because they never usually have to do anything.

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:17

Dearover · 25/05/2025 13:15

Let me guess, you're visiting and the precise 2 square metres of the garden that you wanted to see are in the closed area. You're now trying to decide if you can demand a refund or, even better, compensation for loss of enjoyment.

No, it's about 2/3 of the garden that's closed, if not more.

And I have a membership, so no refund.

OP posts:
Dearover · 25/05/2025 13:15

Let me guess, you're visiting and the precise 2 square metres of the garden that you wanted to see are in the closed area. You're now trying to decide if you can demand a refund or, even better, compensation for loss of enjoyment.

PinkArt · 25/05/2025 13:15

It sounds like you'd rather they don't risk assessment and they don't close for safety reasons if they think there's a need?
It isn't you who'd have to face the consequences if they ignored their RA and opened anyway, if something was to happen.

Cloudyvibes · 25/05/2025 13:14

A few things are closed here in the SW due to the winds forecast today. One farm has said their insurance says they have to close if winds go over 25mph.

Unsure how this works with normal parks but guessing their insurance is different because it’s not a Paid attraction.

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:14

youcannaecallherfanny · 25/05/2025 13:10

Because they’re the professionals and have made a call on safety and probably insurance reasons.

its really not that deep op calm down.

You seem overly bothered. Maybe you need to calm down.

OP posts:
dogcatkitten · 25/05/2025 13:14

Serencwtch · 25/05/2025 13:09

Occupiers liability laws & insurance.

Someone local to me was seriously injured when a tree fell on their car. It does happen.

The alternative is to chop down trees in places where there is a risk eg where public are walking.

And in many places they are taking out perfectly good trees just in case. Or cutting them back so they look like mug racks.

If they have old preserved trees that they want to keep it's perfectly reasonable to keep the public away in strong winds, much better than cutting them all down.

OhCalmTheFuckDownMargaret · 25/05/2025 13:14

OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:03

Which could happen at any time and I don't see any parks shutting down?

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Yes, and people would be ranting straight away demanding to know why they didn’t close the area.

youcannaecallherfanny · 25/05/2025 13:13

This is such a weird thing to get so upset about.

it’s up to them!

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:12

KumquatHigh · 25/05/2025 13:11

I’m at an athletics competition and it didn’t feel windy at all and a marquee just got caught in the wind and flew into a load of spectators. The St John’s ambulance team had to leap into action.

You mean walk slowly. They aren't allowed to run or be fast, health and safety. No leaping.

OP posts:
Serencwtch · 25/05/2025 13:12

OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:09

Ever think why parks aren't closed due to winds..or roads...

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They chop down trees that pose a risk & manage them so they are not too large. Some species are more risky than others & are removed.

A botanical garden/arboretum will have trees of type & size that would not be allowed in a public park or next to a road

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:11

musicalfrog · 25/05/2025 13:09

Are you really this dumb?

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Are you that dumb? Parks don't get shut down with winds....

OP posts:
KumquatHigh · 25/05/2025 13:11

I’m at an athletics competition and it didn’t feel windy at all and a marquee just got caught in the wind and flew into a load of spectators. The St John’s ambulance team had to leap into action.

youcannaecallherfanny · 25/05/2025 13:10

Because they’re the professionals and have made a call on safety and probably insurance reasons.

its really not that deep op calm down.

Serencwtch · 25/05/2025 13:09

Occupiers liability laws & insurance.

Someone local to me was seriously injured when a tree fell on their car. It does happen.

The alternative is to chop down trees in places where there is a risk eg where public are walking.

Original poster
OneNaiceTealMoose · 25/05/2025 13:09

angelinawasrobbed · 25/05/2025 13:09

Their insurance probably requires it

Ever think why parks aren't closed due to winds..or roads...

OP posts:
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