Conservationists say they are delighted with the decision to axe the proposed western bypass and southern link road in Hereford as it will save ancient woodland.
The Woodland Trust says the decision to scrap the two schemes means centuries old habitats will no longer be destroyed or damaged.
The southern link road was set to destroy much of Grafton Wood and another unnamed wood, and cause indirect damage from disturbance, noise and pollution to the ancient Hayleasow Wood, which is also known as Newton Coppice.
They say a number of ancient and veteran trees were also at risk.
The preferred route for the western bypass would likely have indirectly affected two ancient woods – Hunderton and Rough Coppice – as well as several ancient and veteran trees.
The route would also have gone through a road lined with notable lime trees and through wood pasture known as Belmont Abbey.
Woodland Trust campaigner Nicole Hillier objected to the proposals, said: “This is fantastic news for the ancient woods and trees of Hereford, not to mention the flora, fauna and fungi that relies on them for survival.
“Ancient woodland is one of our rarest habitats and once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. It accounts for just 2.4 per cent of land in the UK. Ancient woodlands are highly complex ecological communities that have developed over centuries.
“The loss or damage of these centuries-old sites would have been catastrophic for the environment as they could never have been replaced, even with new planting. We are grateful to Herefordshire County Council for their decision and would like to thank all those in the local community who ccampaigned alongside us for their unwavering determination to save these woods.”
The trust says it remains cautious about an eastern bypass that’s on the table under new transport package proposals and will be scrutinising maps to see what impact there will be on ancient woods or ancient and veteran trees.
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