George Monbiot - socialist and environmental columnist for the Guardian and author of several best-selling books - has shown his support for the Save Woolsington Woods campaign and retweeted Save Newcastle Wildlife’s petition to 131,000 followers! In other news, the campaign appeared on local television again this week and the channel – Made in Tyne and Wear TV - are keen to keep the public updated on developments. Furthermore, the Conservation Foundation, who are hoping to unlock the mystery of why some trees survived Dutch elm disease, have written to the Secretary of State for the Department of Communities and Local Government, Greg Clark, to express concern about the loss of mature elms in Woolsington Woods. Worryingly, it appears that some trees within the woods, all of which are covered by Tree Preservation Orders, have already been cut down. As Campaign to Protect Rural England celebrates the 60th anniversary of England’s green belts, their North-East office has written to the Secretary of State expressing their concern over the harmful Woolsington applications that will obliterate a large area of Newcastle’s green belt. Save Newcastle Wildlife has also written to the Newcastle North MP, Catherine McKinnell, and requested she contacts Historic England to ask if they are able to justify the actions of their North-East office relating to the controversial enabling development that will see the destruction of hundreds of mature trees which provide a vital wildlife corridor for several protected species, including the endangered red squirrel. This is clearly an issue of national importance. The final decision lies with the Secretary of State in the very near future - all the more reason why we should voice our concerns now. So far 9,167 people have supported our campaign. Please continue to support us and help reach 10,000 signatures. Thank you!