A Woodland Destroyed

Another sad loss to Derby's green fabric has occurred in the last week or so - the destruction of the wood next to the ancient Seven Stars pub on King Street, just north of the city centre.

As well as providing a nice touch of greenery, the woodland was a vital habitat for bird species in this built-up part of the city. These include blackbird, wren robin and collared dove and, in recent years, I have heard (the nationally declining) song thrush singing there.

The area was thoroughly surveyed for its flora in 1999, when a total of 53 plant species were recorded, including typical woodland species such as hedge woundwort and common avens, plus the relatively uncommon hairy bindweed.

The importance of the site for biodiversity was recognised by it being listed in the City Council's Wildlife Sites Register. However, it was some years ago deleted from the list, presumably because it rather inconveniently lay in the path of a proposed new road, part of the so-called 'Connecting Derby' road scheme

Two weeks ago, contractors working for Derby City council moved in to fell the woodland, ahead of the road scheme, which they hope to start in spring of 2009, angering many people, including myself! Although conservationists lost the battle to stop the road, the City Council had stated that the part of the wood not taken up by the road would be managed for nature conservation. Now we learn that the intention is that the 'periphery of this area is to be planted with trees and shrubs with the central area being grassed over'. This doesn't sound much of a nature conservation plan to me!

The whole sad story is indicative of the lack of communication, both between departments and with the general public, shown by some sections of the City Council. It definitely demonstrates woeful outmoded thinking when the promotion of biodiversity and measures to slow down climate change should be top of the agenda of every local authority!

PICTURES: Those at the top of the posting show the wood in April of 2007, while those at the bottom show what it looked like following the initial felling operations.

LATEST: What remains of the wood was bulldozed shortly after the pictures were taken - so there is now no hope of regeneration of the bluebells and other woodland flora! Furthermore, a car park for the neighbouring pub, surrounded by a harsh brick wall, has been built, taking up much of the site.

The site at the end of March, 2009, showing the new pub car park on the left. No trees at all remain and the ground has been completely bulldozed.