After having been threatened with demolition for a number of years, the famous Winchmore Hill Woods are at last to be hewn down and the land is to be built upon.  These woods, which it was Hood’s and Charles Lamb’s delight to stroll in, have become the property of a syndicate, which will issue a prospectus shortly, and many of the fine old oaks, beeches, and elms already bear the splash of white which marks them for the axe.  The woods have been one of the greatest attractions in the neighbourhood, and public opinion is strongly against the demolition.

One of the greatest services which the National Trust is doing for the country is the preserving of the natural beauties of our English scenery.  It acquires, through the generosity of its supporters, special tracts of lovely country, and says to the speculative builder “Avaunt!” It maintains the landscape for the benefit of the public.  People can always go there and enjoy the scenery, and townsfolk can fill their lungs with fresh air, and children play on the greensward.  These oases afford sanctuary to birds and beasts and butterflies, and are of immense value to botanists and entomologists.  Several properties in the Lake District have come under the aegis of the Trust.  Seven hundred and fifty acres around Ullswater have been purchased, including Gowbarrow Fell and Aira Force.  By this, visitors to the English lakes can have unrestrained access over the heights of Gowbarrow Fell, through the glen of Aira and along a mile of Ullswater shore, and obtain some of the loveliest views in the district.  It is possible to trespass in the region of the lakes.  It is possible to wander over hills and through dales, but private owners do not like trespassers, and it is not pleasant to be turned back by some officious servant.  Moreover, it needs much impudence and daring to traverse without leave another man’s land, though it be bare and barren as a northern hill.  The Trust invites you to come, and you are at peace, and know that no man will stop you if you walk over its preserves.  Moreover, it holds a delectable bit of country on Lake Derwentwater, known as the Brandlehow Park Estate.  It extends for about a mile along the shore of the lake and reaches up the fell-side to the unenclosed common on Catbels.  It is a lovely bit of woodland scenery.  Below the lake glistens in the sunlight and far away the giant hills Blencatha, Skiddaw, and Borrowdale rear their heads.  It cost the Trust L7000, but no one would deem the money ill-spent.  Almost the last remnant of the primeval fenland of East Anglia, called Wicken Fen, has been acquired by the Trust, and also Burwell Fen, the home of many rare insects and plants.  Near London we see many bits of picturesque land that have been rescued, where the teeming population of the great city can find rest and recreation.  Thus at Hindhead, where it has been said villas seem to have broken out upon the once majestic hill like a red skin eruption, the Hindhead Preservation Committee