Stark contrast in planning visions

RIGHT on our doorstep, The National Forest is one of Britain’s finest examples of vision and wisdom.

Back in the 1990s they began the planting of some 200+ square miles of land with mainly native broadleaf trees. Much of this land was literally transformed from waste and ruin.

Today there are nearly 10 million trees within the forest.

What a contrast to the destruction-led attitude of HS2 that we see today.

Many different bodies became involved with The National Forest Company to make a reality out of a simple, common-sense vision. Landowners were encouraged to alter their use of land to create real and meaningful jobs in their areas. The environmental and economic plans had substance. The evidence showing how economic and social benefits would follow had depth.

What a very indeed to HS2’S stark contrast plans. Their

intention is to barge through large areas of our National Forest leaving nothing but permanent destruction and disruption behind them. Some of the trees that will be lost are already over 40 years old.

So much for vision and wisdom then. Similar madness is going on

along the entire proposed HS2 route. The National Forest is worth visiting. There are already excellent road and rail routes to and through it. It was all part of the plan.

David Briggs. The Green Kingston on Soar