Ilona – Tree 14

This veteran Oak tree predates the more recent additions along Leather Lane, and has been a significant feature in the landscape for well over 100 years. While it still survives, thanks to the efforts of Save Leather Lane Oaks, it is threatened with removal – to facilitate the construction of a (noise reducing) bund, and for future landscaping works. As no amount of planting could compensate for the loss of a tree of this age, SLLO continue to press EKFB (the contractor) to retain the tree, and are seeking explanations for why this cannot be done.

We also added Ilona to the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree inventory, and held this event to mark the occasion.

23-Sep-22

We have just responded to a letter from HS2, concerning the necessity (or otherwise) of felling this tree.

Ilona and the Bund

While Ilona is positioned in the centre of the bund, the bund is only 2 or 3 metres above the existing ground level at this point. (Contours are at 1m intervals). Preserving the tree should not require any epic feats of civil engineering.

Further down the track (next to Jenkin’s Wood ) 190m of bund has been replaced by a 3m noise barrier at the top of the embankment, to protect an established hedge and preserve more land for agriculture. This excerpt (from the South Heath Cutting noise assessment) shows no adverse effect on noise suppression. A similar scheme of around 1/4 of the length could clearly be implemented to preserve Ilona.

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