SIR: I have followed the Smithills Conservation debate, opened by Mr S Bredel with interest. I must respond to Mr Mills description of criticism directed at the Warden Service as 'negative' and 'abuse' (We're Saving Woods Saturday April 27).
On the contrary, the criticism printed in these pages has been constructive, intelligent, articulate and well-informed. Messrs Bredel and Rothwell strike me as passionate and experienced nature-lovers - albeit of an amateur status - whose comments should not be brushed aside with platitudes by the Chairman of the Warden Service.
The inspection of 'every tree within the Raveden Wood' was a wanton waste of funds and the felling of ancient trees was unforgivably injurious to the habitat. Mr Mills claims this policy was justified as there existed considerable danger to the public. Yes, and Uri Geller's psychic powers are going to guide Reading FC to glory! I doubt there has been a single instance of serious injury caused by a falling tree or branch in the area - this century. One is at immeasurably more risk of injury crossing the road.
The area's premier asset is its wildlife and natural beauty. Conservation should be about maintaining the habitat, or rather restoring it to its former status. As Mr Bredel points out, work is urgently needed on the pond near the hall, where moorhens used to thrive. Also, I think there is a problem with slurry entering the watercourse and other rubbish allowed to rot in Raveden Brook. Believe it or not, trout used to abound in here and kingfishers were far more numerous. Lastly, why is Mr Mills as eager that debate on the issue in 'Viewpoint' should cease and that the public's views should be given discreetly to the Warden Service? Surely, this debate has opened up the whole issue of conservation to all your readers and informed most of the very existence of the Warden Service. What is negative about that?
Andrew Atherton
Dunoon Drive, Bolton
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article