UKC

I visited a small sports climb quarry today.

Four of the climbs at the quarry have new bushes or trees growing either at the bottom of the pitch or along the route.

Is it suitable to clear them out as they have appeared since the climbs were updated in the climbing guides?

Thanks in advance  

Unless we’re talking sycamore gap scale destruction, I’d say crack on if you feel inclined to do your bit for the climbing community.

On the other had, you have to wonder why they've become vegetated.
If they're rubbish routes that no one wants to climb, then maybe let them go back to their natural state.
If they're good routes that have become neglected due to no guidebook being available then maybe clean them.

An interesting take on the principles of rewilding.

Vegetation not necessarily an indicator the routes aren't worthwhile. Chee Tor and Beeston Tor for example recently have had extensive cleaning 

I would say yes remove - and also don't be put off climbing a route which is looking overgrown, give it a clean to avoid a vicious cycle of neglect

Overhanging Bastion (HVS 5a) being a good example. We walked past it 3 times before realising that this was indeed the 3* classic of the crag.

More likely is that the people who've been climbing them haven't pulled out small sprigs while they're still small enough to do so easily. Once they get big enough removing them by hand without tools gets much harder. I do wish most climbers would be more proactive in routinely pulling out small bits of vegetation before they turn into big bits, rather than presumably assuming that someone else will do that, or perhaps not really thinking at all.

Potentially some places saw less traffic during covid era, then after when a little green looked less appealing, couple of years later they are now over grown.

I'd clean them. 

Trees? Removing trees can be controversial... one man's small tree is another man's sycamore gap

One man's sapling is another man's prize bonsai. 

Bear in mind it's nesting season and damaging nests is a criminal offence.

Do your bit,a small folding saw should do the trick.

At Avon Gorge a sapling is often the only gear!

Check it’s not a SSSI and not listed for plants that you describe as "new bushes or trees" could be rock whitebeam or other endangered species. I own a SSSI that has just this a "small sports quarry" to you, a hope for the reestablishment of rare species for me, and I hope that the people that climb at the site Blackwell Halt respect the site and if they started “clearing” new bushes or trees (that could have taken a very long time to establish) I would seriously re consider the situation, and it is illegal and a criminal offence on a SSSI. Mutal respect and consideration is a must and arm yourself with knowledge. https://designatedsites.naturalengland.org.uk/SiteSearch.aspx

Thanks  Blackwell Halt

Sensible advice.... and thanks again for your vision for that land and, given that, what are perfectly reasonable access conditions to continue to climb there.