Before (left) and after (right): Trees cut down behind Parliament Court
- Credit: Ronete Cohen
The continued felling of trees this week along the edge of Hampstead Heath has been challenged by residents.
Network Rail contractors cut down trees on the south side of the Overground line last week, and this week works have continued behind Parliament Court, in Parliament Hill.
Hampstead resident Ronete Cohen said: “They (Network Rail) claim safety and the need to eliminate the need to repeat work but this could have been achieved without causing such a drastic reduction in our quality of life.
“There needs to be a more balanced approach that takes all needs into account.”
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Before and after trees were felled along the Overground by Hampstead Heath station.
- Credit: Ellie Roche
Community groups have raised concerns about tree felling continuing along the Overground line at the edge of Hampstead Heath next week.
Network Rail contractors cut down trees on the south side of the railway line - backing on to Constantine Road - on Tuesday and Wednesday (March 9 and 10).
Residents have expressed their sadness at the destruction of substantial greenery.
Marc Hutchinson, of the Heath and Hampstead Society, told this newspaper: The damage done is bad for the amenity of the Heath because, from the Heath, you now see buildings where you d previously have seen trees.
Queen Mary s House.
- Credit: Polly Hancock
The future of the Queen Mary s House site in Hampstead remains unclear, but a document which could pave the way for 150 homes is expected to be published this summer.
The Royal Free NHS Trust, which owns the site, has been looking to sell since 2018, but local groups are concerned at the potential for unaffordable mansion flats .
The former-hospital site, in Heath Street, is currently home to key worker accommodation.
In February 2020, Camden Council consulted on a draft site allocations local plan (SALP) – a planning document which would designate the area as space for 150 homes.
Jeff Waage
Green woodpecker on the Heath – the next bird to go?
- Credit: Adrian Brooker
A couple years ago, a survey of visitors to Hampstead Heath revealed that “experiencing nature” was the most common reason for a visit.
Today, in the midst of a pandemic, more and more of us are using the Heath in this way to keep sane.
Hearing and seeing birds and other wildlife is an important part of that calming nature experience. But what does growing use of the Heath mean for its habitats and wildlife?
How will the wear and tear to the Heath and the high numbers of visitors we are now seeing affect the behaviour and survival of wildlife there?