Heartbreaking loss for Haddington as Herdmanflat Woodland destruction begins

Haddington Community Woodlands and Friends of Herdmanflat Hospital today denounce the council’s decision to begin the destruction of the heart of the cherished Herdmanflat Woodland—a decision that comes despite two long years of pleas to reconsider and compromise.  According to Policy 3 of National Planning Framework 4, appeals were overruled by local councillors and community council members. 

“Our legally grounded pleas were not merely dismissed; they were trampled in a rush to rubber-stamp a decision that goes against the express wishes of the community,” said a Trustee of the Woodland charity. 

Support for our stand is clear:

• Over 300 individuals have thrown their support behind the CAT application.
• More than 1,500 residents have signed our petitions.
• Hundreds have attended public meetings.
• Our new Community Woodlands charity now boasts over 70 committed members.

The fate of Herdmanflat Woodland appears to have been sealed in closed-door policy and strategy meetings long before plans were ever presented to the public. Several community members attending public meetings felt disappointed “... the decision seemed to be a done deal’ and consultation exercises were nothing more than a hollow charade—a staged performance with no genuine intent to listen.”

“We have prepared a community asset transfer application, though we fully expect it to be dismissed out of hand.”

Campaigners asked for compromise in the plans, asking the council to spread the housing across East Lothian or that they build more densely in other areas of the site and retain the woodland as a community greenspace and haven for nature. Instead, residents will be left with a circular avenue of trees overlooked by three-storey buildings, a large car park, and a SUDS zone masquerading as a ‘water feature’. There is no guarantee that the council won’t sell off properties rather than provide much-needed social housing for the elderly.

Campaign supporters were distraught about the start of felling works yesterday to clear the site, with only 1 day’s notice. Previous felling works ‘accidentally’ removed trees with identified bat roosts and other healthy mature trees. 

“It is heartbreaking to think of the habitat that has been lost and for future generations. We will no longer be able to enjoy the birdsong in the young Caledonian pines and see the buzzard hunting over the central scrub. So many locals have a deep attachment to this site the way it is now was. This has been a green haven for over a hundred years – we have missed a rare chance to do something positive for the community.” Said the spokesperson.  What's going on?

The Herdmanflat Woodland holds a special place in the hearts of the community. Its popularity is a testament to the joy and beauty it brings to people's lives. We must protect this precious natural resource for future generations to enjoy and cherish. The woodland is not just a collection of trees, it's a part of our shared heritage.

East Lothian Council is proposing to build housing on 40 -50% of the woodland.  To destroy it for the sake of a housing development is not just shortsighted, it is a betrayal of our community's love and commitment to nature and this space.

Herdmanflat provides a habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. It is a vital green lung in the heart of Haddington, providing a space for children to play, families to walk their dogs and people to simply connect with nature. It is a living reminder of the importance of preserving our environment for future generations.

Herdmanflat is a legacy, it has been used by the community since the 19th century. The proposed housing development by East Lothian Council threatens to destroy this green oasis forever.  If we allow this woodland to be destroyed or degraded, we will not only lose a precious natural resource but also harm the well-being of the community and the environment. It is our responsibility to preserve and protect Herdmanflat woodland for future generations to enjoy and cherish. Lets ensure that this beloved woodland remains intact, thriving, and accessible for all.