12-Oct-2022

'Ilona', or Tree 14

"But there's a tree, of many, one"

Before HS2

This veteran Oak tree predates the more recent additions along Leather Lane, and has been a significant feature in the landscape for well over 100 years. While it still survives, thanks to the efforts of Save Leather Lane Oaks, it is threatened with removal - to facilitate the construction of a (noise reducing) bund, and for future landscaping works. As no amount of planting could compensate for the loss of a tree of this age, SLLO continue to press EKFB (the contractor) to retain the tree, and are seeking explanations for why this cannot be done..

28-Oct-22 Campaign Update -
HS2 Reconsidering ?? See our Event report.

12-Oct-22

Ilona must be saved ! Email Mark Thurston now.

23-Sep-22

We have just responded to a letter from HS2, concerning the necessity (or otherwise) of felling this tree

Follow our campaign here ...

Ilona and the Bund

Position of Ilona, from Schedule 17 Landform profile, and retained/removed
vegetation (the brown areas)

While Ilona is positioned in the centre of the bund, the bund is only 2 or 3 metres above the existing ground level at this point. (Contours are at 1m intervals). Preserving the tree should not require any epic feats of civil engineering.

Today

A precarious existence