Storm Damage, Not HS2: Rethinking the Felling
I visited 16 Acre Wood nearly 12 months on from my last visit. The most dramatic change was the wood itself, where many of the trees had been felled following wind damage over the past few years. In my previous posts, I had wondered about the environmental impact of the HS2 works on the wood. There had been some clearing on the edge of the wood. In some of my previous posts, I speculated whether trees had been pushed over, but it transpires that much of the damage was caused by the wind from storms.
As I passed along the footpath, large parts of the wood had been felled, and there was a notice in place from a forestry company explaining that the clearance was due to storm damage. The site was not pretty, and the landscape showed the extent of the felling. The notice explained that new trees would be planted and the wood would be monitored over the next ten years. On my first visit to the wood, new saplings had been planted, and now the trees were well-formed and breaking out of their guide sleeves.
HS2’s Rail Track Takes Shape
Turning to the HS2 works, they are close to the next stage of laying the rail tracks. Standing in the centre of what will become the main line, it is clear to see the progress. The works have changed the nature of the land. A large bridge is in place, which will carry the Kenilworth Road, with cars passing over the HS2 track below. The concrete is in place, although there are still fences and other construction equipment strewn around the track.
The two ponds in 16 Acre Wood
As to the two ponds, the ancient pond has suffered over the hot summer and the water levels are low. The trees do not look like they are thriving. The replacement pond has, again, not fared well over the hot summer. What I would like to see is the broken signs tidied up, along with some explanation or signage to say what is happening around the pond. My pictures, yet again, tell the story of landscape change — some man-made, some due to the changing climate caused by storm damage and the lack of rain from our hot summers.
I talk to friends in the construction industry who highlight how HS2 sites are being relandscaped and that every effort is being made to restore the areas affected by construction. Whilst there are positive noises by the company, charities such as the Wildlife Trust paint a different picture. Seeing how work has progressed around 16 Acre Wood, the area has been disrupted and wildlife has been the loser.
Looking Ahead to the Next Chapter
I await the next chapter, and wait to see how laying down the rail track impacts the landscape. Eventually, work will cease and trains will run. How will the vegetation grow back, and will 16 Acre Wood return to its former glory?
