Former fashion model Pattie Boyd joins calls to halt Loxwood woodland ‘destruction’

The icon of the 1960s and 70s and now successful photographer regularly walks her dog Freddie in Loxwood Woods and says she is appalled by the plan by Loxwood Clay Pits Ltd.

The company is preparing to submit a planning application to West Sussex County Council, proposing clay extraction from the woodland and the development of a construction materials recycling facility over a 33-year period.

Objectors say that clay will be trucked out by HGVs from the site, while construction waste/landfill will be trucked in, with all HGVs travelling along forest tracks and through the local villages of Loxwood, Rudgwick and Alfold in Surrey.

“Imagine the tranquillity of this woodland, enjoyed by all of us, as well as wildlife for hundreds of years, replaced by heavy machinery and noise disturbance, six days a week from 8am to 6pm,” Pattie said.

She described the woods as “an enchanted forest”, and added: “I love being here and hate to think of it being destroyed.

“It is so peaceful and beautiful, the air clean, no sound, it’s wonderful.”

Pattie, who has travelled all over the world in her career and during her marriages to George Harrison and Eric Clapton, said the woods remained one of the most beautiful places she has been to.

She urged the public to get behind the Stop Loxwood Clay Pit campaign, and said a fundraising campaign had been set up to help fight the proposals.

The campaign group has created a website, www.stoptheclaypit.org.

Last month rock musician Mike Rutherford also spoke out against the plans for the woodland and his fears for wildlife if permission were granted.