Our protests over tree felling were ignored
IT is a year since I wrote concerning the 'selective felling' of trees in Dole Wood.
That was followed by letters to National England, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and conservation organ-isations. I also met the woodland management partners.
Although I am not a member of the Wildlife Trust – membership is not a prerequisite for caring about the natural world – at the end of April I began the Save Dole Wood Trees petition.
On August 1, we handed over the 327 signature petition and covering letter to Quentin Davies MP, to pass on to Dr Phillips of Natural England.
In a report of the handover, Mr Davies said "I will do my best to ensure that these old oak trees are not allowed to be felled, and that Dole Wood preserves its natural habitat".
Dr Phillips replied to the letter saying that the dense tree canopy in the wood prevents natural regeneration of the understory, and this is why the trees are being felled. She added "To clarify, this work is not about tree regeneration."
Mr Davies, when sending a copy of Dr Phillips response, wrote "I think we must take this as a final answer."
It appears that the management programme, which has in the past included the systematic clearance of the understory, is now being cited as the reason for felling 18 mature oak trees, not the lack of oak seedlings.
The trees, and the life they support cannot be replaced. It is unforgivable that they are to be sacrificed to reverse the clearance of the understory and woodland floor of this site of special scientific interest.
The letter to Quentin Davies and Dr Phillips included specific questions regarding the Wildlife and Countryside Act, in the context of Natural England objectives, and the damage caused by maintenance and tree felling in SSSIs.
The questions remain unanswered; comments overlooked; and the 327 name petition ignored.
There is no justification for felling and coppicing any trees in SSSI Dole Wood. There is every reason to leave it to live, die and regenerate naturally.
These reasons include care and respect for the environment, encouraging health and well being, and learning how nature reacts and adjusts to climate change.
JOYCE STEVENSON
Obthorpe Lane,
Thurlby
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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