The post you are reporting:
Paul, I am aware that any work on Western Heights needs the consent of the owners: English Heritage, DDC or whichever other authority owns the premises one intends working on.
Any work needs to be carried out under the direction of a qualified person, with adapt tools. The work must be in compliance with health and safety rules.
Having experience in gardening, I know that roots need to be removed from the vicinity of brickwork, and that the easiest way of doing this is periodically cutting growth before roots can establish.
Once roots have established, it is much more work pulling them out, alas it needs be done to prevent them gradually dislodging the masonry.
Roots that have already grown between bricks are a specific problem: they need cutting to the brick surface, and then the decision must be made, whether to remove a number of bricks to displace the root that has grown between them, to then replace the bricks, or to let the root rot between the (slightly dislodged) bricks.
In this latter case one must remember that the root will continue to sprout growth, which would occasionally need cutting till the root is dried out, or one lays a coat of mortar over the root to suffocate it.
A qualified person will no which is better.
To cut growth at the top of a moat, at the edge of the precipice, is extremely dangerous. it can be done using very high scaffolding, or from the top, but with the use of a safety belt that must be attached to some firm point.
Again, only an expert can give such instructions.
The actual cutting of bushes and trees is straight forward, with hand-saws, and, in the case of large trees, with a mechanic saw (but to avoid using them is better). For bushes and small trees, just stick to hand-saws.
One needs adequate clothing and gloves, and it's necessary to keep a lookout for snakes in such areas before reaching out one's hand in uncharted territory.
Similarly, removing graffiti requires its own set of regulations, as does repainting rusty doors and railings.
My point is, Paul, any funding would require a basic work plan to be first presented, possibly indicating who the qualified people are who'd be prepared to direct the works and supply the tools, and the assurance that those working under their guidance are reliable, understand English, are in a position to comprehend and carry out instructions, and are physically fit, that they will be provided for with the right clothing and equipment, and will know what they are doing.
Unless there is this basic premise of plan, no consent and no funding will ever be given.
The Western Heights residents group have already stated their intention to hold a meeting with people willing to take part, including WHPS, and have asked that DDC present all requests they have made for funding of maintenance of the Heights, so that any further clues as to who could be contacted for funding can be put into practice by way of an application.
Perhaps Roger, who is a DDC Councillor and looks in on this thread, could ask DDC to take up this point with the Western Heights group, or could contact Lara about this, as she did bring this point up at the last meeting and did mention it recently on this thread.
Unless we know exactly WHO DDC have contacted for funds, we can't really say that all avenues have been explored, can we!
In response to a previous question of yours, Paul, about a visitors centre and community centre on Western Heights, the proposals came from the W.H. group, and so I am sure you could ask them for further details.