Woodland Trust - Hurst Wood - re current work project

Comments

#1

I’m signing the petition because I am a regular dog Walker who uses these woods and it s extremely frustrating that the bridge is for most of the year under the water due to rain. It’s a beautiful wood and I love having access to the full circular walk all read around.

Lyds TW (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#5

Hopefully this will indicate to Woodland Trust that they should perhaps have made their intentions known more widely with an explanation prior to starting work. By just going ahead without consultation they have created bad feeling which could have been avoided if alternatives could have been discussed. I would ask that they reconsider or at the very least meet with the petitioners to explain their rationale.

Frances Craig (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#10

Robbing us of one of the better places to walk in Tunbridge Wells.

Leanne Yardley (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#11

I live very near to the woods and use them regularly with my dogs please put back the bridges so we can continue to enjoy them all year

Rita Hughes (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-25)

#12

We need to protect our green spaces.

Julie Bedford (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-25)

#13

I enjoy walking in Hurst Wood and do not wish to be cut off from using parts of it

Andrea Bagg (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#15

It’s important to my fiancée
I know she’s always wanted to walk with me there

Seren Edwards (Tunbridge wells , 2021-07-25)

#16

I grew up with these woods and was looking forward to taking my wife and eventually our children for a walk into the woods to see the bluebells just like I did when I was small.

Rebecca Nibbs (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#20

I believe that the Woodland Trust has a duty to the public to retain access to this land and that any closure must be very temporary and for good, honest reasons. Otherwise, it will erode confidence in this charity and lose my support, however unimportant to them..

Martin Perry (Crowborough, 2021-07-25)

#22

I am concerned at the way in which Hurst Wood at the bottom of Coniston Avenue is being "saved" for us all. Why has the end of the wood flooded so bady‽ We need a proper bridge. Is the owner of the property
beyond the wood to blame for the flooding. Is it dammed or something?

Karen Weston (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#23

I’m signing because I think it is important people have access to these areas and a chance to enjoy the nature around them.

Sarah Heath (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#24

My house backs onto Hurst Woods and I use these woods a few times a week. The walk down by the stream has always been my favourite in there. It's so pretty and a really interesting walk, both for me and my dog. I don't understand why it's all been fenced off. I have paid monthly into the Woodland Trust for a few years and I thought that money was for this sort of thing, to help preserve the woodland and for any repairs etc.
I have read that you're hoping we'll just forget about this path. Well, I certainly won't and hope this isn't a permanent closure.

Jane West (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-25)

#27

Having walked Hurst Wood even before Woodland Trust it will be a travesty to block off part of it . What is wrong with volunteers helping ( like with the National Trust) or even some donations to help pay to keep it ‘as was’ ?

Judi Best (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-25)

#29

I have spent many years walking through Hurst Woods, for me this place is an absolute escape, a place of beauty in which I can properly relax any time of year but never more so than in spring when the bluebells bring me so much joy! I am devastated to hear that a large chunk will now be out of bounds! Surely there must be a way to preserve this part of the woods so we can continue to enjoy??!

Sharon Gisby (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-25)

#31

We love that woods. We brought our home because of those woods we back onto it and we are very sad and angry about this decision

Holly Salter (Tunbridge wells , 2021-07-25)

#37

My family and I have relied on the Hurst Woods as a place to seek solace in nature during the challenges of lockdown. We explored its many paths over the months. It continues to provide a place to walk the children and reflect. Our frequent use over the course of the year has led to a wonderful re-engagement with nature and as a small silver lining in what was otherwise a stormy year.

We were dismayed to hear that the lower path close to the bridge is being closed and that the bridge at the far end is being removed. These were particular highlights of our explorations and continue to delight the children through the seasons.

From the number of people who I meet walking in Hurst Woods, these are well used and well loved paths. As much as I understand the need for environmental conservation I do hope that the paths are maintained and bridge rebuilt to keep this wonderful natural resource accessible to the local community.

Kristinn Tan (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#38

I am a regular Walker at Hurst woods, and with my children I enjoy exploring the whole of the woods (including the areas on both sides of the bridge).

Hayley Olley (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#39

This is a most wonderful wood. What you are doing will spoil it so much and upset so many people

Eryl Rayner (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#40

I question the need for the present closures. If they continue, they present a significant loss of amenity and there is no certainty in the Trust's published management plan concerning reinstatement.

Nick Stanbury (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#41

I’m signing because Hurst Wood has been one of our family favourite walking places. At a time when more people are re-discovering the pleasures of nature and walking because of covid-19, it is incomprehensible to me that this walk has been truncated, and this without consultation. I trust that this decision will be reviewed and the whole area given back to the enjoyment of the public.

Genevieve Jackdon (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#45

I'm signing because these woods are hugely important to this area. In lockdown especially they have been so widely appreciated and become more widely known. To reduce access and scope would be a tragedy.

John Barber (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#46

I have walked in hurst woods for the past 40 years and have loved every visit
My children and all of my dogs have absolutely loved the stream walk.
It’s so important on the hot sunny days for the dogs to be able to swim and play in the water to keep cool
Also you need more than one route around the woods as there will be so much erosion caused by excess walkers going in the same direction
It will also create problems with the dogs as they will have no where to pass each other when on leads
The hill is also steep and slippery in the winter which is not great for vulnerable walkers

Macrina Smith (Tunbridge wells, 2021-07-25)

#48

It is essential that the network of paths are all kept open particularly now that many more people have become used to walking during the pandemic and this case the the paths through the wood provide a variety of walks and the opportunity to observe all the natural aspects of the wonderful woodland of Hurst Wood.

John Davies (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#55

I enjoy these woods regularly and extremely saddened to hear that half of the walk will now be inaccessible.

Wendy Smith (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#58

The Woodland Trust should be improving public access to woodland, not blocking it because you do not want the expense of replacing a bridge. People join your organisation to help fund this type of maintenance work.

Carol Boyd (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#59

Being able to access and appreciate the woodland is one of the wonderful things about living in a rural town, it’s good for our mental health

Jenny Green (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-25)

#64

Because I feel it would be better to find a solution to funding a new bridge so that access for users can be maintained. I agree that solutions should be found to protect the banks from further erosion but not at the expense of losing access to a much loved path by the stream.

Sophie Cook (Tunbridge wells , 2021-07-25)

#66

Hurst wood brings great benefit to the local community and access rights should remain.

Will Cook (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#71

The walks and facilities in this wood need to be maintained.

Alan Goss (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-25)

#74

Hurst wood is an important local walking area and access to all areas should be reinstated once regeneration has completed - bridge improvement works could be funded by visitors if necessary?

Jane Cobbold (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-26)

#76

Hurst Wood

Holly Pullar (Tunbridge wells, kent, 2021-07-26)

#77

Myself and daughter use this regularly and would miss this walk terribly it has bought so much joy to us

Alison Crosthwaite (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-26)

#80

I seldom walk along this pathway without meeting several other people. Therefore this is a key part of many walkers enjoyment of the wood. Any damage is very limited and insignificant.

Graham Thompson (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-26)

#84

The loss of this bridge will seriously reduce people’s options in using the woods

Tony Miller (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-26)

#86

These are my local woods and we have donated to Woodland Trust in the past. It’s important to maximise access to all in the woods. The main path only bacame boggy after the water company undertook major works years ago. When works were done to the fishing lake the ground and path at that end became like a bog. So perhaps Woodland Trust need to manage the situation better.

Kevin Powley (Rusthall, 2021-07-26)

#87

As a daily user of Hurst Wood I am dismayed to see the closure of aforementioned paths.

Rosie Harris (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-26)

#88

I dont want to loose the woodlands today we cut it in half then before you know it we will do the same again soon till quickly we loose it all
We have to preserve what we have

Alex Dome (Tunbridge wells , 2021-07-26)

#89

I walk here every opportunity I get reducing the walk saddened me enormously hopefully something can be done

Dee Mortimer (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-26)

#91

I love walking through Hurst Wood using the upper path and the lower path as a circuit....the main through path is just too messy at most times

John Blake (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-26)

#92

I love these woods and the walk

Melinda Domeney (Tunbrige Wells , 2021-07-26)

#93

The bridge should be replaced to allow people to enjoy the full walk around the woods they have enjoyed for years, instead of removing it to prevent this.

Jacquie Sykes (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-26)

#97

The woodland is beautiful and used by lots of people, including children which I believe makes it part of history for kids to grow up with! Also love the bluebells and paddling in the lake

Trudi Hall (Tunbridge wells, 2021-07-26)

#98

I’m signing this because as a member of the Woodland Trust I pay my subscription to increase access to woodland NOT decrease it. I was saddened to read this and if the Woodland Trust can not see a way forward then I will more than likely end my subscription. What a disappointing turn of events.

Linda Waters (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-26)

#99

I am a member of the Sussex Woodland Trust and I believe that local woodlands should all be made fully available to members and through rights of way to others.

Barbara Lombert (Crowborough, 2021-07-26)

#100

I am signing this petition because Hurstwood is a beautiful piece of woodland in Tunbridge Wells. I have been walking my dogs for the last 15 years here doing full circular walk. I was saddened to see the lower part of the woods shut off with fencing. Hurstwood Woods is an oasis of peace and quiet is a hidden treasure in suburbia. Please Woodland Trust restore the lower bridge and bring back the happiness and tranquillity you give to everybody's lives in these strange times.

Averil Travers (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-26)

#102

I regularly walk in these woods with my family, friends and dog and find it a wonderful expanse to explore, within a reasonable walk from town.

Lindsey Marden (England, 2021-07-26)

#103

Our young family regularly use the recently closed section of the woods and stream and feel the loss of a significant part of our walks

Chris Maguire (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-27)

#104

I am signing because access to the full offering of these woods has been open to walkers of all ages for decades. This is important to the community’s physical and mental health.

Margie Callanan (Crowborough , 2021-07-27)

#106

We have been walking in Hurst Wood for 16 years and loved the bridges across the lower path. To find they have been removed and access blocked with no information is very upsetting. Please reinstate the bridges and install boardwalks if there is a need to protect habitat. Just arbitrarily fencing off areas won’t work as people will just go round them as well as spoiling the look and feel of a beautiful woodland.

Liz Hubbard (Tunbridge wells, 2021-07-27)

#108

I agree with Sue Tye regarding the loss of half of the wood for walking. Also my dogs do NOT interfere with the riverbank that has eroded in places. This erosion is caused by the polluted water that washes down the stream after heavy rain. I believe the local water authority uses Hurst Wood as a storm water overflow.

Lindsay Barker (Tunbridge Wells,Kent, 2021-07-27)

#109

I live near the woods and this is a wonderful place to walk and a lifeline during lockdown. Please reinstate the walkways.

Lisa Barnes (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-27)

#116

I walk my dog here every day.

Louise Marks (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-28)

#118

Hundreds of people in Rusthall village and Culverden use these woods and enjoy this footpath. This was a godsend during the pandemic, to cut of this access now would be to deny future generations of the beauty of this area of Rusthall. It is also a public right of way so therefore should not be barred. Have the Woodland trust not contemplated any assistance or grant to help with costs? Also this route is used by school children.

Angela Funnell (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-28)

#126

Hurst Wood is a beautiful area and should be fully protected from this kind of criminal vandalism. Find out the culprits behind this and bring them to justice. This should not be tolerated.

Robin Leslie (Cobham, 2021-07-28)

#131

I'm signing because I'm a regular walker of this woods and my son loves it there!

Hayley Walker (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-28)

#135

We have just moved to Tunbridge Wells from a more rural location. We and our grandchildren were delighted to discover the wonderful Hurst Wood right on our doorstep. It is a small but fabulous and unspoilt wood where many adventures have already been had. Please restore the bridge and don't deprive us of a key area of this wonderful hidden gem.

Sue Bishop (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-28)

#137

I use the paths around the woods with my children. We would badly miss access to the lower paths and the bridge.

Harry Dunlop (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-28)

#139

I have used this lower path for years and have enjoyed my time spent here. My children now are enjoying what the woodlands and wildlife bring. Keep the bridge and lower path!!!

Emma Stuttard (Tunbridge wells, 2021-07-28)

#140

These woods are in my back garden and have been a vital part of our daily routine over precious lockdowns - the village loves these woods as do the children and dogs that love to play in the streams - we’re meant to be encouraging children to be outside abs not stuck on their games and these woods are definitely the best woods for that. losing half of them and hoping people will just forget is not going to happen and the people that back into the woods should of at least of been consulted before this decision was made. If help is needed to do the needed work on the woods then I’m sure we can find enough volunteers around the village to make these woods amazing for everyone this doesn’t all need to fall on the shoulders of the woodland trust

Jemma Simmons (Rusthall, 2021-07-29)

#143

This forest is a great outdoor place to explore. We need to keep it open to access for all

Marishka Dunlop (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-29)

#144

For walkers and just because it has been there ages it’s change that isn’t needed get people to keep dogs on lead on the field or make a path round the outside I don’t know but thanks 🙏

Elliot Fitzgerald-vanns (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-07-29)

#145

Removal of the lower bridges and removal of access to the far end of the woods has significantly impacted the joy of walking around Hurst woods

Edward Pickles (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-29)

#147

It's a favourite path for the whole family

Corinne Williams (Royal Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-29)

#148

This wood is a beautiful place and needs to be accessible and safe.

Linda Hammond (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-29)

#152

I strongly disagree with the current works taking place in Hurst Woods because of costs to make repairs to the existing bridge, paths ect. If you can afford to erect fences than you can afford to repair the bridge, paths and more. It's disgusting what you do behind tax payers back.

Denise Garrett (Kent, 2021-07-30)

#154

Walks in Forests are very beneficial for our mental health and wellbeing

Anne Hill (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-31)

#155

I use the walk often with my young son. Enjoying the stream is a big part of this. I definitely want the area protected as best as possible, but so that we can all continue to enjoy it.

Gary Clark (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-07-31)

#157

removal of the bridge destroys a beautiful circular walk through the woods

janet thornley (tunbridge wells, 2021-07-31)

#158

I regularly visit Hurst Wood having grown up in the area and still have family there. The wood is for all and should be accessible to dogs and people as well as flora and fauna.

Jane Quill (London, 2021-07-31)

#163

We live near and enjoy our daily walks

Michelle Letchford (Rusthall, 2021-08-01)

#170

I’m signing because I walk there when I visit my sister and this would cut our walk in half

Shelley Ashby (Crowborough , 2021-08-03)

#172

The woodland trust when donated the woods was under the condition to maintain the woods to its current standard. However it has continually year on year failed to do so.

Paul Hanmore (Tunbridge Wells , 2021-08-05)

#174

Joelle Laws

Joelle Laws (Tunbridge wells, 2021-08-05)

#178

I wish to enjoy the beauty of the whole wood.

Emma Brown (Tunbridge Wells, 2021-08-10)

#181

I have used this pathway for over 30 years

Trevor Ingham (Crowborough, 2021-08-11)



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