Few seem to recognise the urgent need to protect our remaining, less than, 1% of ancient woodland from commercial felling plans. If due to public pressure, the landowners don't get away with clearing the site when the contractors first arrive, they simply return year after year taking a percentage until all the native trees are gone. The forestry authority actively encourage these activities by providing grants for the cutting of broad leaves in areas of woodland which should be protected for conservation according to European Standards. The sustainable scam has to exposed, they dress up deforestation as treatment when there is no excuse to fell anything other than rhododendron in these remaining patches of our main natural habitat.
For 13,000 years these oaks have managed just fine on their own and interference simply weakens the structure of the forest while depleting it. The plan is still in breach of the Forestry Commission's own guidelines and breaks new laws which are supposed to protect bats, narcissus and protected habitats.
Oak woods like Pressmennan must be managed on a minimum intervention basis according to the habitats directive since they are seen as being in danger of disappearing. The average size of these patches of wildwood is only 6 Hectares, 60% of these exist on privately owned land.
There has never been a tree house village addressing this issue, but it's a great idea. The local campaigners are still on the case and can handle the media and publicity aspects of the campaign. If you want to get involved contact WAND, PO Box 1021, Edinburgh, EH8 9PW.