Category Archives: Woods Under Threat
A21: “They took all the trees, and put em in a tree museum”
Continuing our updates on the A21 public inquiry, Richard tells us about his day cross-examining witnesses: “Day 4 dealt with the evidence presented by the Highways Agency on ecology and nature conservation, and on planning. My aim in cross-examining the witnesses … Continue reading
HS2 – where natural and financial capital collide
Yesterday I went to a meeting hosted by the Natural Capital Committee which was set up by government to help it understand better how the state of the natural environment affects the economy and wellbeing of us all. Work has … Continue reading
A21 Inquiry: “You don’t know what you got till it’s gone”
As part of the public inquiry into the A21 widening scheme, we are giving evidence on behalf of the ancient woodland at risk, and also cross-examining the Highways Agency’s witnesses. ** Latest: ITV Meridian 4:30pm news (Tuesday 14th May) ** Our … Continue reading
Here we go again!
The dust hasn’t yet settled on the Oaken Wood Public Inquiry, and already the Trust is having to stand up for ancient woodland in Kent at another public inquiry. This time it’s the proposed widening of the A21, between Tonbridge … Continue reading
Happy Birthday to the National Planning Policy Framework!
”Why was he born so beautiful? Why was he born at all? He’s no blumin use to anyone. He’s no blumin use at all….” Well we are going to find out aren’t we? Last year on the 27th March 2012, … Continue reading
Not just neighbourhood planning – a neighbourhood plan!
More exciting news from the world of neighbourhood planning, well a small corner of it anyway. Since my last blog the Upper Eden neighbourhood plan has passed through the referendum stage. Following the plan’s successful examination it had to face a … Continue reading
Forests report – a conservation response
Ash disease and other pests and diseases – Austin Brady, Head of Conservation The Government response to the panel had its own long established timetable to follow, but this was dramatically cut across by developments on tree disease as the … Continue reading
Call me an Ent, but I want better protection for trees!
Now we have the government’s response to the Forests Report, I thought I’d add a policy perspective to my colleague Nikki’s thought-provoking blog and share why I’d hoped it would go further than the IPF’s recommendations on protection of ancient woodland. … Continue reading
Thunk! on the glass ceiling
Oh dear. Once again, it’s ancient woodland protection that has a twinge of disappointment where other woodland and tree issues have won their part in the government’s response to the Independent Panel for Forests. There are indeed some great things … Continue reading
The Y, oh Y, oh Y Route (Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds)
So today is the day that we finally got to see the long anticipated (or is that dreaded) route for the HS2 line between Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. We have heard HS2 Ltd’s claims that every effort has been made … Continue reading
