Earlier this year I visited Titnore Woods in West Durrington and stayed for more than a week with the tree protesters campaigning to save the woodland.

I was deeply affected by this experience and in spite of considerable public outcry and growing concern for global environmental issues, I am disheartened to learn the proposed supermarket extension and extensive housing development on the site is almost under way.

All this in spite of a strong case against the development, including an appeal to have the area designated within the boundaries of the South Downs National Park.

Perhaps at this late hour, and in the spirit of wishful thinking, there may be a benign benefactor who could step in to save the area.

Perhaps the current land-owner might have a change of heart and follow the lead of others who have bequeathed the land of their estates to the local people and to charitable causes.

The land around Titnore Woods is of such prime agricultural value it could be given over to local allotment usage, which would potentially negate the need for the supermarket extension and encourage the regeneration of community life.

The woodland itself could be saved and become a showcase of sustainable low-impact usage, fusing traditional values with modern environmentally conscious ideas – a living Eden Village encapsulating the enthusiasm of the Eden Project in Cornwall.

While it may be fanciful to hope this development may be reconsidered at this late stage, it is my hope the tide of insensitive development will soon be properly checked.

How, as a so called “developed” nation, can we expect to be taken seriously in bemoaning the loss of rainforest and other precious natural habitats when we set such a poor example here?

Simon Byrom, West Bow, Edinburgh