| Walkers using footpaths in our local areas have begun to realise how many veteran and notable trees are potentially at risk of terrible damage or complete loss if the construction of Botley West Solar PowerStation progresses as planned.
“No panels will go within 25 metres of ancient woodland” says the developer. Whilst this may be the case for c2.3 million solar panels, they don’t talk about cable routes or maintenance roads or fencing or, indeed, any of the massive amount of equipment that will be installed on and under the site. What is ‘not said’ is critically important.
It’s come to our attention recently just how much harm could be inflicted on these trees by the construction of Botley West – with all it’s ‘proposed infrastructure elements’ installed across the whole site. The developers confirm this will include miles of underground 220kVpower transmission cables, c2.3 million solar panels and their supports/bases, numerous large substations, power conversion systems, maintenance roads, access points, fences etc. – many tons of industrial equipment, cabling and roadways.
Local people understand the importance and beauty of these trees in this landscape; land in open agricultural and enclosed forestry use. In this setting, Oxfordshire is blessed with many Ancient, Veteran and Notable Oaks and other species.
Stop Botley West volunteers are working hard to increase the profile of this issue and to raise support from like minded people and organisations who wish to protect these unique and irreplaceable trees – some of which date from the mid-17th century, almost a hundred years BEFORE Blenheim was built.
What can YOU do about this?
Please make a donation to our fighting fund… |
