Press Release - 4 April 2007

Author and columnist Will Self will lead a five mile protest walk through Hatfield Forest on Saturday 15 September to highlight the threat to the 1000-year old National Trust property from airport expansion plans which would make Stansted’s “airport in the countryside” bigger than Heathrow today.

The five mile Runway Ramble through the ancient woodland is being coordinated by campaign group Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) to coincide with the planning application for a second runway, expected in September from airport operator BAA. Hundreds are expected to attend the morning walk which sets off just after 10.00am.

Will Self agreed to take part in the event when he toured Hatfield Forest and other ancient woodland threatened by BAA’s plans last December with SSE Campaign Director, Carol Barbone.

Airport expansion would jeopardise the tranquillity of the forest, while there are grave concerns over the impact that such massive expansion would have on its ecosystems as a result of changes in air quality. There are also fears that climate change impacts would render the woodland vulnerable to extreme weather conditions which would further compromise its survival. Aviation is the fastest growing source of the emissions which contribute to climate change.

Beyond the perimeter of the forest, the massive landgrab being sought for the airport’s development would see nearly 500 hectares of land (much of which is of special landscape value) and up to 27 hectares of woodland destroyed. A total of 73 homes including 18 listed buildings would also be demolished if the plans were ever allowed to go ahead.

Proposals for expansion on Stansted’s single runway are already being considered at a public inquiry this summer following the local council’s refusal to give permission to lift the cap on current throughput at the airport. A further public inquiry to consider the second runway application is expected to begin in 2008 although it will be 2010 before the outcome is likely to be known.

Hatfield Forest is located at Bush End on the B1256, just off Junction 8 of the M11. Entry is free with a suggested donation to the Stop Stansted Expansion fighting fund. Car parking fees apply to non-members of the National Trust. Refreshments available. Further information from Coming Events or from SSE on 01279 870558.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS
1. Will Self’s article on Stansted expansion proposals produced following his visit last December is accessible online at comment.independent.co.uk/columnists_m_z/will_self/article2092744.ece

2. The Hatfield Forest website is at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-hatfieldforest

FURTHER INFORMATION
Carol Barbone, Campaign Director, SSE: 0777 552 3091 and cbarbone@mxc.co.uk