HS2

[Pawpawsaurus]

My local Wildlife Trust isn't happy: http://www.bbowt.org.uk/newsletters/HS2_Campaign.asp

That's a strange Marbled White, isn't it? Must be an aberration.

Paul

[Mark Colvin]

That's a strange Marbled White, isn't it? Must be an aberration.

It must be related to the Bernstein's (Bechstein's) bat!

I'm sure Leonard would be pleased ...

[MikeOxon]

I will point out the huge curve the M40 had to take to bypass Bernwood Forest - I wonder if that was at risk of being flattened at any point?

It was worse than that! The original plan was take the M40 through the middle of Otmoor - a unique wilderness area North of Oxford. That is why there is a fork in the M40, with the original route now merging into the A40 to Oxford while the 'new' route curves to the east. The 'new' route clipped a corner of Bernwood and the area lost was 'compensated' by an equal area of new plantation, just South of the part which was taken. It was planted with Blackthorn to make a Black Hairstreak 'nursery'.

Large parts of Otmoor are now an RSPB reserve and the old Roman Road provides excellent habitat for Brown Hairstreak and other butterflies.

Oddington on Otmoor, Oxon

Mike

[millerd]

Large parts of Otmoor are now an RSPB reserve and the old Roman Road provides excellent habitat for Brown Hairstreak and other butterflies.

Mike

Looking on the OS map, this is marked as a "Danger Area" presumably because of the nearby rifle range. How accessible is it? How often do the bullets fly?

Dave

[MikeOxon]

The RSPB reserve on Otmoor is outside the danger area and can always be accessed by the lane from Beckley. The main butterfly areas are also always accessible - the Roman Road adjacent to the RSPB carpark is good for Brown Hairstreak and Asham Meads for Black and Brown Hairstreaks, on the North side of the moor. The danger area covers a mainly open area in the centre of the moor.

According to MoD, the range is open daily for public access before shooting (8am) and after shooting (4pm). On Mondays the range will continue to be open for public access for the foreseeable future, subject to any further reviews, and approximately 28 weekends per year; the exact dates for access at the weekends is unpredictable.

When firing is in progress, red flags are flown and there is a flashing light on the stop butts.

Mike

[Lee Hurrell]

I will point out the huge curve the M40 had to take to bypass Bernwood Forest - I wonder if that was at risk of being flattened at any point?

It was worse than that! The original plan was take the M40 through the middle of Otmoor - a unique wilderness area North of Oxford. That is why there is a fork in the M40, with the original route now merging into the A40 to Oxford while the 'new' route curves to the east. The 'new' route clipped a corner of Bernwood and the area lost was 'compensated' by an equal area of new plantation, just South of the part which was taken. It was planted with Blackthorn to make a Black Hairstreak 'nursery'.

Large parts of Otmoor are now an RSPB reserve and the old Roman Road provides excellent habitat for Brown Hairstreak and other butterflies.

Thanks for your local knowledge, Mike! You're right in that would have been far, far worse - thankfully the area has been preserved.

I adore that whole area, just driving to Bernwood along the lanes is a pleasure. I am yet to explore Otmoor in any detail although this may now change!

I did wonder why the M40 forked like that

Best wishes

Lee

[Dave McCormick]

My local Wildlife Trust isn't happy: http://www.bbowt.org.uk/newsletters/HS2_Campaign.asp

Cheers,

- Pete

Neither is the woodland trust which says 21 ancient woodlands will be under threat: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/camp ... 0PD_fFmKa8

We have identified a minimum of 21 ancient woods under threat of direct loss from the proposals. A further 27 ancient woods are within 50 metres of the track centre. The exact level of loss and damage will depend on the final track specifications.

Here is the route: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/camp ... 0PEmfFmKa8