Hurst Hill, a public access hill to the west of Oxford, is currently threatened by the idiotic policies of English Nature. The hill is covered with new woodland, developing slowly into a place of great diversity, and the clearing in the centre of the hill has proved a natural spiritual oasis for ravers and dog walkers alike. Many longer-term Oxford activists will remember and cherish parties up "The Hurst" and know the value of this gorgeous bit of woodland.
Unfortunately English Nature, with fine but blinkered motivation, want to turn Hurst Hill into heathland, which would mean cutting down most of the trees and destroying the beauty of the central grass area of the hill. Their reasoning is that heathland is more biologically diverse, and that Hurst Hill is not an ancient woodland.
Others however believe that diversity should be considered more carefully, in the light of there being very little unspoilt woodland in Oxfordshire, and that Hurst Hill should be given a chance to develop as one habitat, rather than artificially regimented into another. Some of us also believe that 'the Hurst' has a spiritual value to many that will be entirely ruined. A beautiful reflective place is going to be sacrificed to the god of quotas and dull reasoning.
Consultation has already happened, and English Nature claim the approval of local people. But very few people knew about the plans at all, and Hurst Hill belongs to all who have appreciated it.
Chopping is set to begin very soon, possibly in August. There is no number to ring or organisation to join to stop it. This mail is acting simply as publicity. I am asking the readers of the website how they feel about this. If there are enough people against it, English Nature could very easily be detered, as they have no financial element riding on it. But it may come down to direct tactics.
I look forward to hearing your views. Hurst Hill is easily visited by taking the 4B bus from town and getting off at the top of Cumnor Hill, going up Hurst Lane until the footpath, and following your nose from there. Enjoy it while it remains beautiful.
Mr Loveblanket
Unfortunately English Nature, with fine but blinkered motivation, want to turn Hurst Hill into heathland, which would mean cutting down most of the trees and destroying the beauty of the central grass area of the hill. Their reasoning is that heathland is more biologically diverse, and that Hurst Hill is not an ancient woodland.
Others however believe that diversity should be considered more carefully, in the light of there being very little unspoilt woodland in Oxfordshire, and that Hurst Hill should be given a chance to develop as one habitat, rather than artificially regimented into another. Some of us also believe that 'the Hurst' has a spiritual value to many that will be entirely ruined. A beautiful reflective place is going to be sacrificed to the god of quotas and dull reasoning.
Consultation has already happened, and English Nature claim the approval of local people. But very few people knew about the plans at all, and Hurst Hill belongs to all who have appreciated it.
Chopping is set to begin very soon, possibly in August. There is no number to ring or organisation to join to stop it. This mail is acting simply as publicity. I am asking the readers of the website how they feel about this. If there are enough people against it, English Nature could very easily be detered, as they have no financial element riding on it. But it may come down to direct tactics.
I look forward to hearing your views. Hurst Hill is easily visited by taking the 4B bus from town and getting off at the top of Cumnor Hill, going up Hurst Lane until the footpath, and following your nose from there. Enjoy it while it remains beautiful.
Mr Loveblanket
Comments
Hide the following 4 comments
Up the Hurst
30.07.2003 12:20
You say that EN could easily be deterred...how?
carman
English Nature Contact Details
19.08.2003 11:49
English Nature
Northminster House
Peterborough
Northants
PE1 1UA
Tel No: 01733 455256
Fax No: 01733 568834
ciderpunx
hurst hill
15.09.2003 12:38
Although I am a great fan of woodland, there is a good deal of this type within a few miles. It is important to think it through, understanding that it represents an unusual area of acid soil/grassland, and therefore there might be an opportunity to establish an ecosystem quite unlike anything in the immediate area. I would like to see a comparison on the number of species of flora and fauna between the present and the proposed. I must admit that large parts of the Hurst are dominated by hawthorn woodland which frankly is not contributing much to the diversity of the area.
But I am open to persuasion...
Mike
mike
Residents of the Hurst
28.04.2004 18:39
Living so close to the Hurst, we would be sad to see a possibly unnecessary loss of such a huge amount of mature trees. Whatever the environmental benefits (if any?), it seems extreme to make such a drastic decision for a site of special scientific interest.
Is there going to be a further meeting with English Nature explaining what areas are to be cleared? the reasons for felling the trees, and the future plans for the Hurst etc. When Timbets is developed for example, how will this effect public use of the Hurst, particularly as it is currently frequently used as an offroad scrambling course for motorbikes and has been identified by English Nature as a site with specific rare lichens and moss.
We would be happy to be involved with other local people who have concerns about the future of the Hurst and to share information regarding English Natures' plans.
Ali Rees
Alison Rees / Marc Fiedorowicz / Ben Cook
e-mail:
alirees@hotmail.com