Hello everyone,
Although it may seem like not much has been happening regarding the trees on Leather Lane, we have been working very hard to maintain HS2's promise to save 40% of the trees and to get some answers as to why an alternative route for Leather Lane has not yet been considered in detail before being completely destroyed. I cannot disclose exactly what we have been working on, but just know we are continuing in trying our best to work with the legal team and to hold HS2 accountable for their crimes against nature.
I am tired of seeing negative comments going around about HS2 'felling the trees anyway' and that there's 'no point in fighting because they won't listen to you'. RUBBISH! That is exactly what HS2 want: to destroy our beautiful wildlife and cause destruction in our countryside so that people feel intimidated and give up fighting for the cause we've worked so hard for. Please do not lose faith in legal petitions and the solidarity of the people united in their outrage. Do not let HS2 get what they so badly want.
When the news came about that Natural England had granted HS2 a licence to fell Jones Hill Wood, there was a sense of apathy amongst the local people and those working hard on the ground. People lost energy in their protests against HS2 and it lost momentum. The same thing happened with Leather Lane as HS2 started to fell trees; people thought their efforts were in vain until they stopped in their tracks and HS2 agreed to save 40% of them. This is just one example of why we must remain positive and keep fighting to save as much of our wildlife as possible. Together, we have already achieved so much and we can continue to do so.
No matter where you are, every single one of you can make a difference. Even if it means signing and sharing petitions or donating money to the cause, you have and continue to help so very much, and I can't tell you (on behalf of all the people involved in saving these trees) how grateful we all are for what you have done so far. Please keep it up!
There are a number of people who have not donated anything to the crowdfunding link provided in the last update, however, we still need your help to support the investigation and employ experts to compile their reports etc. I will post the link here again: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-towards-legal-case-against?utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer
Over 41,000 people have signed this petition, yet less than 300 have supported the crowdfunding which is essential to carry out the purpose of this petition. This may be because some people have not selected the option to 'receive updates' about this petition which would be sent by email. If you are reading this and have not yet done so, please select this option so that you are up-to-date on this ever-changing situation.
If you are reading these updates and know others who may not be, please share and point them in the right direction so that they can also support the cause even further.
If you would like to donate less than £5 or would prefer to send me money directly, please donate money to my PayPal: @blaizeoc with your email and I will send you a receipt once it has been put into the account. Please, please donate!!!
With HS2 being granted a licence from Natural England to fell trees in Jones Hill Wood, there has been a large outcry from local residents over the last few weeks who are desperate to save the trees in any way they can. The legal team for Jones Hill Wood have been informed of evidence that Barbastelle bats are present in the woods and that HS2 continue to fell trees regardless of the endangered species' habitat being that of old oak trees with peeling bark in order to raise their families. Attached to this petition update is the press release for the Jones Hill Wood legal case issued by Jones Hill Wood Earth Protectors. This is another example of good people working together to make a difference and why we should not give up the fight. Thank you to the Jones Hill Wood Earth Protectors for all of their hard work so far; you are amazing.
As mentioned before, Jones Hill Wood is also known as The Roald Dahl Woods where his famous story 'Fantastic Mr Fox' is set. The magical woodland area is just down the road from Leather Lane and is being felled as we speak. Please sign the petition here to stop HS2 from felling any more trees in Jones Hill Wood whilst legal action is taking place before it is too late: https://you.38degrees.org.uk/petitions/urgently-suspend-felling-at-jones-hill-woods?just_launched=true
Please read this very apt news article from Sky News: "UK's woodlands pushed to crisis point by a 'barrage' of threats" where Abi Bunker, from the Woodland Trust, expresses her concerns for the ancient woodlands and trees being taken for granted. https://apple.news/A8PNasQj5Ti2WX509I6hJPA
I am going to contact Abi Bunker in the next few days to share my petition with her and present the attached press release on behalf of all local wildlife-protectors in the chiltern area.
Blaize x