The first phase of HS2 (London to Birmingham) will cause direct loss to 21 ancient woodlands, South Cubbington Woods is one of those woods.The local community have shared just how special their wood is by making this video highlighting the damage that HS2 would do to the wood and local landscape:
With so many wood anemones it is thought that the woodland could date back as far as the last ice age, making South Cubbington wood really very special. Just to the south of the wood lies Britain’s largest wild pear tree, its measurements suggest that it could also be one of Britian’s oldest ancient pear trees, possibly 200-250 years old. This tree, which has been recognised to be of national significance, would be destroyed by HS2.
The wood is privately owned but is traversed by many local footpaths as well as the long distance Shakespeare’s Avon Way which attracts walkers from all over the country. This ease of access has made the wood central to village life. We hope that this video goes some small way in showing what is at stake for ancient woodland up and down the HS2 line.
Victoria Bankes Price, Planning Adviser