Well now - this is rather interesting news that raises many serious questions ...
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Open letter to Mersey Forest regarding proposals to use areas of Sefton as so-called Woodland Allotments
From the Countryside Awareness Group
26 April 2016
Dear sir/madam
We are
aware that a controversial initiative for felling trees for firewood (Woodland
Allotments) is being tabled for many areas within Sefton.
As a group
that was formed to raise awareness about loss of our UK countryside and
wildlife habitat we must tell you that we have very serious reservations about
this new plan. What assurances can you give local residents of areas ear-marked
for this controversial tree-felling plan, that the Woodland Allotments would be
properly policed and if so by whom?
Have local residents been asked if they
wish to have chain saws cutting down trees, right next to their properties?
Many
attractive wooded areas are in places that are enjoyed as walks by residents
with dogs and played in by children. This fact alone would suggest that your
proposals may be fraught with dangers and largely an insurance nightmare for
Sefton Council waiting to happen.
Also, many
of the trees that are marked for alleged ‘thinning’ are willow and popular,
species which form timber that are not regarded as good for burning as they
tend to spit when burned. Groups of people running around our peaceful
woodlands with power saws are not beneficial to close human communities and
terrified wildlife.
Moreover, Sefton Council has ‘already’ proven that it
cannot be trusted with any woodland initiatives and the needs of local
volunteers. Kindly see this link for details. http://woodvalewp.blogspot.co.uk/
Furthermore,
some of the woodlands in question hold mature trees that are home to wild
birds, bats and other legally-protected creatures. Is nature being dismissed
with this dubious plan in favour of a bit of free firewood?
We believe
that communities need more trees planting and not destroying. As for involving the local community – we DO
NOT need to chop the woodlands down just to get the community involved in
lovely areas that are already being enjoyed.
Countryside Awareness Group
Ends.
Literature available indicates that 25 trees per year are
potentially being marked for felling if this project is accepted. That is 100
specimens over 5 years. What a massive negative impact this may have on many
small woodlands in Sefton.
So who exactly is going to decide which trees are destroyed
and where?
The previous failings of Sefton Council and the Woodvale
charity over unjust dealings with loyal volunteers (that were banned
from the project they
had created for blowing the whistle on safety issues, insurance, etc) are highly significant in this
situation.
Can man never leave nature alone, to do what it does best - SURVIVE?
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