Our back garden on the Pembury Estate, Hackney, London is under threat. 

Network Rail and Peabody Housing Association have decided to chop down nearly 100 year old trees. They are doing this to make a temporary footpath for public use while maintenance is being done to the tunnel along Bodney Rd. This is set to happen before the end of February 2024. (see map link and image below)

(Image Source: Network Rail. All trees in yellow will be chopped down by the end of February 2024 - Map Link )

The footpath will cut across the back of Bicknor House and Birchington House on the Pembury Estate, close to the buildings. The trees and green space provides us with a sense of well-being and privacy. This work will destroy the area, likely covering over the grass and cutting down younger trees, too. 

This is not just about the loss of our garden; it's about the loss of an irreplaceable part of Hackney's natural heritage. These trees are a living testament to our history and community, our strength and diversity. 

Trees play a crucial role in improving air quality by absorbing pollutants (source: Forestry Commission England). In an urban area like Hackney where air pollution is a significant concern (source: London Atmospheric Emissions Inventory), every tree matters. 

We understand Network Rail needs to make repairs for safety reasons to the tunnel across Bodney Rd and Downs Park Rd. However, according to Network Rail the trees and green space are not impeding on the work to the tunnel or the health and safety of the public. They simply want to chop down nearly 100 year old sycamore trees, destroy the area for a temporary footpath. 

We believe this is not just an attack on our personal space but also a disregard for the environmental significance these trees hold. It's time we stand together against such actions.

We urge you to join us in this fight against the unjustified destruction of these near century-old sycamore trees and removal of our green space by Network Rail and Peabody Housing Association.
 


Your signature can make a difference; help us preserve our back garden's natural heritage today!