Grahame’s inspiration

SIR – Far from diminishing the riverside inspiration of Kenneth Grahame’s Wind in the Willows, the National Trust’s plans for Winter Hill will return it to the landscape the author would have known (report, September 11).

It seems unlikely that Winter Hill could have inspired the Wild Wood, as at the time the book was published (1908) the hill was open chalk grassland.

The Trust’s plans, which follow wide consultation with the local community, will see some trees removed from the top of Winter Hill in order to reopen the historic views over the Thames.

The nature-rich grassland will be restored on the slope. Good news for Toad, Ratty and Mole. Nicola Briggs Regional Director, London and the South East, National Trust London SW1