7-Nov-2022
event to mark the registration of
Ilona on the Ancient Tree Inventory
An invited group of local supporters and councillors met by the tree (or as near as is currently allowed), to mark the addition of Ilona to the Woodland Trust Ancient Tree Inventory. See more Pictures and her Woodland Trust entry.
HS2 security observed the proceedings from a (fairly) discrete distance.
Letters of support
were received from Jack Taylor, Lead Campaigner for the trust –
The Woodland Trust considers the retention and protection of healthy mature trees, like the Ilona Oak, to be of utmost importance. An individual mature trees provides for wildlife, people and the wider environment. They offer immense benefits – from filtering our air, to helping with flooding and providing a home to wildlife. Therefore, when new development is planned near to such trees, the planners and ecologists working on those developments must have these trees at the forefront of their mind. If we are to work towards addressing the UK’s current state of nature and climate emergency, then making sure mature trees are retained and protected is fundamental. That’s why we support the Save Leather Lane campaign – HS2 Ltd must listen to the concerns and make the changes necessary to save Leather Lane’s fantastic population of mature trees!
and from Sarah Green MP –
I urge HS2 Ltd to find a way to save Ilona. Their response to my most recent letter was weak -planting other new woodland is not a replacement for a single iconic ancient oak that a community feels is part of their identity. (See more)
and this Facebook Report from Jane MacBean
See our Press release for the event, and coverage in the Bucks Free Press, Bucks Radio, Prestwood Village Association and Wendover News (a copy of our PR).