WHY, at a time when we should be planting and protecting trees, is our Green council cutting down whole swathes of the tamarisk trees at Dukes Mound?

I know the official reason is to "increase biodiversity", but surely local chalkland species could be planted elsewhere on the seafront and in the city - the living wall, for example, which is now half-concrete.

As a Kemp Town resident for over 20 years, I suspect that the real reason is to get rid of the long-time gay cruising ground in the park.

I know there have been complaints about children witnessing sex acts and also that acts of violence have been committed in the woods over the years, but the trees could have been pruned and better patrolled to discourage daylight sexual activity, and better lit at night.

The off-putting litter and rats could have been addressed with more regular clean-up.

And what will happen to the rabbits without the cover of the shrubs?

My neighbours agree, one mother I spoke to saying she thought children needed the woods for their sense of mystery.

Personally, I have never witnessed any irregular activity at the Mound, and didn't mind at all if people were having consensual sex in the bushes.

I just wished women and non-binary people had a safe space to be nude outdoors in the city.

Now the loss of the tamarisks is adding to my sense of grief during the pandemic: the sight of their stumps is highly distressing.

What a brutal shame that the Black Rock "rejuvenation" project is not just destroying trees during a climate emergency, but taming a last patch of human wildness - and diversity - in our famously open-minded city.

What's next? Will the naturist beach go too, to make summer visits to Asda more "family-friendly"?

Naomi Foyle

Brighton