Stop Press!!! Ilona saved in writing from HS2!!

To finish the week on an even more positive note we have it in writing from HS2 that Ilona is very likely saved. We know how much she means to many of you and hope that this news will gladden you. Here is the wording of the email received from HS2:

Dear …… 

Thank you for your communication to us about the oak tree near to Leather Lane, Great Missenden.   We said in our email to you in autumn 2022 that we would look into alternative options and update you on the progress of HS2 designs around the Leather Lane area.  We have looked into various options and are now proposing a new design that will retain the oak tree, “Ilona”. 

We have continued to work closely with Buckinghamshire Council, local community representatives and the Leather Lane Conservation Group (formally the Save Leather Lane campaign group) to understand views and opinions on what matters in the local area, in order to design the Leather Lane crossing. This close engagement with stakeholders has enabled us to develop a new design which takes account of concerns about specific environmental impacts of the railway on the local bat populations and established trees near Leather Lane. The new design also allows us to retain the oak tree, “Ilona”. 

This design is due to be submitted to Buckinghamshire Council in spring 2025 and construction is programmed to commence later this year. 

In advance of this, we will need to carry out some vegetation removal and maintenance. These preparatory works are being undertaken in the coming weeks to avoid the start of bird nesting season and to ensure there is no disturbance to hibernating animals/ mammals. The vegetation has been regularly surveyed for wildlife and will be inspected by an ecologist on the day prior to any works commencing. More information is available here Leather Lane road closure, Great Missenden / The Lee, for vegetation removal - HS2 

Further community engagement will be undertaken later this spring when the new design is submitted to Buckinghamshire Council.  In the meantime, we have two drop-in events planned in the local area and we welcome interested parties to come along and find out more and speak to the team. These events are planned for: 

• 15 January between 5 and 7pm at the Great Missenden Memorial Hall, Link Road, HP16 9AE.
• 29 January between 5 and 7pm at the Great Missenden Memorial Centre, Link Road, HP16 9AE. 
   

Our latest Chiltern Tunnel newsletter has further information on progress in the area. 

Kind regards, 

Maddelyn Sutton 

Head of Engagement, Phase One -South 

HS2 Ltd.

Get involved with the Leather Lane conservation area HERE

We thank you all once again.

From all at the Leather Lane Conservation Group

(Recent photo of Ilona attached, taken 15/01/24)