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
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!
pg 42 January 1997 February March….still waiting… April 1997 ….still waiting for Department of the Environment’s report on the Rusland Beeches. John Harding, prospective Labour candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale has thrown his hat in the ring: “There can be no excuse for the delay of this decision other than the Government’s fear of public … More Still Waiting for Govnt decision, all the Conservation Groups Still Agree with Felling the Rusland Beeches
December 1996 Simon Pryce the arboriculturalist from the Department of the Environment has visited the tees. It is just a case of waiting for his report now.
pages 39 – 40 of Beeches Boreholes and Badgers 25th November 1996 The Environmental Law Foundation (ELF) have kindly agreed to provide free help in the form of a solicitors letter to the National Park. The lettter from Butterworth’s Solicitors is excellent apart from getting a key word wrong – ‘amenity’ so all the … More ELF Comes to the Rescue!
National Tree Week 17th – 24th November 1996 The Rusland Beeches are featured on Countryfile. Its not the success we hoped as the programme makers gave us the wrong date. I made cards to send out to all the National Park members asking them to watch. The beeches were’nt featured but what was featured was … More National Tree Week: page 38 of Beeches, Boreholes and Badgers
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
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
Wastwater Chronicles 