The Lancaster and Gurney Court Roads Wilderhood Watch Group launched a Save the Trees campaign during September 2018 in order to protect beautiful, mature trees that are at risk from de-vegetation processes alongside the railway line that runs along the backs of our gardens. The railway bank is home to a huge array of wildlife including foxes, badgers, hedgehogs, rare birds, bats and many species of pollinator.
Unfortunately in June 2023 residents were informed that Network Rail was again planning extensive deforestation along our stretch of the line. Considering the devastation they caused recently in Nottinghamshire, we are extremely concerned. Although Network Rail has yet again reassured us that they will preserve our mature oak trees by topping rather than felling, major work is continuing in spite of nesting season now having begun (February 2024). Vegetation along the Gurney Court rd side of the cutting is severely depleted, diminishing forage and potential sites for nesting birds, and the noise of chainsaws and chippers is causing mass disturbance. We continue to fight to limit the damage done to our large established trees, and to delay works until nesting season has ended.
Network Rail intend to fell both the ash (circled in yellow) and the silver birch in the RHS photo. Both trees are perfectly healthy, and the ash is one of only around 5% of its kind left in the country, as the rest have succumbed to ash dieback.
Many of our trees, especially sycamores and ash, will be completely removed, and the rest are at risk of severe pruning. The effect on this green corridor which is currently home to thousands of species of animals and plants will be irreversible. We have been assured by Network Rail contractors that they will leave bat roosts, badger setts and nesting birds undisturbed (as required by law) and we will be holding them to this. Neighbours are also in communication with contractors to ensure that trees will be considered on an individual basis, but keeping to minimal disturbance will be difficult, given Network Rail’s outdated policies.
According to Network Rail’s own statistics, only 1400 out of their 13 million track side trees have fallen on the line. This means that their policy of felling any tree within 6.5m of the track would result in them chopping down 9000 trees to stop one of them falling. We believe that this is completely out of proportion to the genuine risk most trees pose to the railway.
With more thought, the needs of the environment could be balanced appropriately against keeping the railway safe and keeping trains running on time. Trains are often delayed for a number of reasons. If they’re sometimes delayed because of leaves on the track, Network Rail could use this as an opportunity to inform people of the intrinsic value of trees, and their commitment to preserving our environment.
A recent meeting with Network Rail, attended by Network Rail contractors, residents and councillors. At least 80 residents who will be affected by this are closely engaged in discussions, supported by the estimated 250 plus members of the Wilderhood Watch.
Since successfully negotiating with Network Rail to preserve our trees, we have spotted nesting bullfinches, greenfinches, and most recently, heard the calls of male and female tawny owls as well as barn owls.
In 2018 almost 70 residents based on Lancaster and Gurney Court roads got involved, and over 35 were present at a meeting held with local counsellors and National Rail in order to discuss how trees and wildlife might be preserved whilst allowing for essential track maintenance.
Publicity
- Radio Verulam: Pulling together to save trackside trees
- Herts Advertiser: Controversial Network Rail tree felling comes to St Albans and Radlett
Documents
