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Oaks update

This week, on Tuesday, the planning application to fell the two mature oaks on the western side of Cox's Walk Bridge, submitted by Southwark Highways Department, has been rejected. Furthermore, the whole of Sydenham Hill Wood and Cox's Walk has been placed under a provisional Tree Protection Order (TPO). This is very good news indeed as it should raise the level of protection for our amazing woodland. However, the TPO is only for six months and in that time it will be reviewed.
 
The management of the Wood will be able to continue, as coppicing and removal of invasive shrubs such as cherry laurel is vital to its ecological health. Its is hoped that the Highways Department will rethink its approach to this problem and that it will consult and work constructively with stakeholders to take forward a more sustainable solution to the restoration of the bridge. In the year since the bridge has been closed, great damage has been done to the ecologically sensitive area of the old cutting. This has been caused by people who have insisted on breaking down fencing and scrambling down the banks and up the other side. The wet winter has not helped and the erosion of the surfaces is now very severe. 
 
 

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