Oxleas Wood Campaign
The proposed A406 East London River Crossing (ELRC) has a long and controversial history. Two grueling public inquiries have been held, the first of which was the longest ever for a road scheme. The final decision to construct the road was not given until Sept. 1991, at which juncture, the then Secretary of State for the Environment, signed an exchange land certificate, effectively bypassing special parliamentary procedure regarding the compulsory acquisition of Oxleas Wood. The exchange land offered, which is required to be of 'equal advantage' to that which would be lost (Acquisition of Land Act, 1981, Section 19. 2.), is arable farmland on Woodlands Farm, by Shooters Hill. The department proposes to 'recreate' the ancient woodland habitat on the exchange land within 10 years, a feat which most ecologists regard as impossible. The findings of the High Court against Oxleas Wood Campaign, on February 19th. 1993, is to say the least somewhat incomprehensible.
Oxleas Wood is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an ancient woodland which has probably been in existence since the end of the last Ice Age, an irreplaceable part of our natural and cultural heritage. Ancient Woodland like Oxleas, offers us a direct link with the prehistoric forests that once covered much of lowland Britain and has been reduced to only 1% of the total surface area. An ancient woodland is a natural monument, which may have a great deal more to tell us than any extant man-made structure. Oxleas was also designated as an Area of Special Character, ranking with other Heritage areas of London. Oxleas Woodlands, SSSI and Woodlands. farm are metropolitan Open land and part of the Green Chain, a unique landscape which would be irrevocably scarred by the East London River Crossing. We are all aware of what happened at Twyford Down, near Winchester and it is unlikely that the Department of Transport will wait for the judgment in the European Court of Justice. If we do not challenge the High Court decision, the Department will begin the construction process. We intend to appeal but do not have nearly enough funds to cover our possible costs.
Donations can be sent to: The Oxleas Wood Challenge Fund.
David Black