I APPLAUD D Goldman's abhorrence at the suggestion that the tree in the middle of the Eye of York should be cut down, (February 13). It's a young oak and from little acorns...

However, his view that York is a virtual tree desert compared with London leads me to think that he is either walking around with his eyes shut or encased in his four-wheeled prison. I should be happy to take him on a "tree tour" of York, an experience he would remember for the rest of his life.

We would start off in St Sampson's Square and Parliament Street, admiring the many London plane trees. In a few years they will be resplendent. We walk along King's Staith to Skeldergate Bridge and pause at the little park on the left - planes, maples, ashes, limes, cypresses, a cherry tree and a birch, then join our Victorian ghosts and stroll to Millennium Bridge. Wow!

An avenue all the way of majestic chestnuts, ashes, limes, oaks, sycamores and London planes. An alder stands guard at Pikeing Well and we are greeted by five silver birches at Millennium Bridge.

Mr Goldman, we have only been walking for 20 minutes, and we have not scratched the surface. You may now show me your desert, and I shall continue to show you my paradise.

How much time have you got?

Donald Gunn,

Burton Stone Lane,

York.

Updated: 10:10 Wednesday, February 25, 2004