It has been a while since our last Update, but there have recently been further worrying reports.

The Wildlife Trust finally decided that they should consult the locals to tell them what they planned to do to their favourite wood. The plans, which are supposed to have been reduced, are now said to involve the felling of 200 trees. This is apparently being classed as a small trial.

Copious information has been posted by the Trust recently to try and justify their proposals, much of it explaining what will result, so, one might ask, “Why do they need a trial?”

The plan now is to fell or clear 12 plots in various areas of the wood, some of which we know are highly sensitive and the habitat of very rare species.

They say the felled trees will be left as log piles which look awful, take years to rot and will damage the woodland floor. (We were once told by an expert that no self-respecting beetle would ever go near one.)

We are still worried that the outcome will be what we have always feared, loss of habitat, loss of wildlife, especially our rare birds and moths, and the spoiling of this unique wood for the many people who love it just as it is and continue to object to any intervention.

We know from expert opinion that the wood has not changed in the last 30 years while Nature has been looking after it and that is what we all wish to continue.

The Petition remains active, but we did hand over a paper version to the Trust's CEO, containing over 2000 signatures, in an attempt to demonstrate the strength of public opposition.

The photo shows one of the threatened areas on a footpath we all love.