18th August 1997 The outcome of Eira Hughes’ (from the Department of the Environment) visit is that “only 3 of the beeches is to be felled…those that are in doubt can be analysed with available technology” 50 of the original Rusland Beeches are still standing ************************************************************************************* 20 years on what has changed? We know more … More The Rusland Beeches Saved!
1st August 1997 Paul and I have completed work for the Lakeside Aquatarium (later renamed Aquarium of the Lakes) – it looks fantastic – just the minor problem that the chap we were contracted with turns out to be a compulsive gambler and has absconded with all the money. 18th August 1997 Rejuvenated from camping … More Treacherous Tides and A Hopeful Visit
Long Letter to the Department of the Environment 28th July 1997 the National Park’s Management Plan proposes much more drastic action than was agreed …..even more worrying is the negative attitude to the trees “The Veteran Tree Initiative was set up to change peoples attitudes towards old trees. The last people whose attitude should need … More Long Letter to Department of Environment
25th July 1997 Remember the man from the government said that the Rusland Beeches need not be felled…. well… The National Park are Furious! Field Notes from the Full Board Meeting, Kendal. Guy Well (Project Manager): “since the Department of Environment report we have noticed additional faults. Objectors have anxieties about our Management Plan not … More The National Park Authority are Furious!
page 43 12th June 1997 Man from the Dept of Environment says NO! Hurray!!! Simon Pryce concluded “The beeches are a significant feature of the valley and make a considerable contribution to its character and amenity. There is NO JUSTIFICATION for felling them all on safety grounds and individuals could be retained for several decades.” … More The Man from the Government says NO to Felling!
October 18th 1996 English Nature have carried out their bat survey (following Andy’s discovery of roosts). Seven of the 54 trees have bat roosts. The LDNPA say that they will “put a lot of effort” into relocating the bats. Ive written to the European Union – their reply is crapola! It seems the National Park … More National Park – Judge and Jury pg 37 Beeches, Boreholes and Badgers
22nd Sept 1996 Beech Party The banners were made by different people and left up after everyone had gone home. There were people who had travelled from as far away as Carlisle to support the trees. Visitors to the Beech Party who didn’t have to travel far where Tony Wood’s saddleback pigs from Abbots Reading … More Beech Party: pages 32 & 33
Sept 3rd 1996 Had a visit from CID. Just arrived unannounced at the door – plain clothes chap….asking(?) to come in and “talk about the Rusland Beeches” Like before (on the phone) wants to know if I plan to organise a “sit in” but the National Park still have to ratify their own decision to … More Visit from CID: pages 30 and 31
July 23rd 1996 Not giving up! Letter to Government Office NW Dear Mr S. A. MacDonald, Further to our telephone conversation, I am writing to you concerning the proposed felling of the Rusland Beeches. On Friday 19th July the Lake District Planning Board rode roughshod over public opinion and disregarded a report by two highly … More Not Giving Up! Letter to Government Office NW: pg 25 of Beeches, Boreholes and Badgers
19th July 1996 National Park Management meeting at Murley Moss. The Committee vote 8 to 6 to clearfell the Rusland Beeches. Comments include: “The trees are at the end of their life” “The remainder will look ugly if not all are felled” “Safety is our first priority” “The National Park Authority’s expert is more qualified … More Oh Aye, There Be Dragons: page 24 of Beeches, Boreholes and Badgers
Wastwater Chronicles 