Clearance is worthy of a look (From Gazette Series)

Clearance is worthy of a look

SIR - John Smallwood could perhaps be accused of blowing his own trumpet in highlighting the recent scrub clearance work on Stinchcombe Hill (Gazette, April 16).

However, he and his band of conservation volunteers deserve credit and all possible support from the people of this area. Even in the short period I have lived here (less than two years), the paths around the top of the hill have become more and more enjoyable places to walk.

My first weekday evening walk of this year was rewarded by new views from the hill, just as Mr Smallwood wrote, and by the sight of big patches of cowslips catching the light of dusk, where previously there had been just brambles and bracken.

As for the "bluebell woods being no more" (Gazette, April 16), I think Mr and Mrs Webb were just a little too early this rather cold spring. The bluebells are out in force in the woods now, as well as carpets of them on the open slopes of Cam Peak - no doubt due to the careful land management there.

We are privileged to have such a wealth of accessible woodland and open space on our doorsteps, together with a combination of voluntary, private and publicly-funded organisations working to maintain and enhance them.

Hugh Richards, New Road, Cam.