Power lines removed at Bedgebury Pinetum
Posted by: electime 8th January 2025
As festive crowds flocked to the light show at Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest, eagle-eyed visitors will have spotted the power lines behind it all had been discreetly hidden from view.
Engineers from UK Power Networks have removed 2.4km of overhead power lines, 35 electricity poles and overhead transformers from Bedgebury Pinetum, near Goudhurst. The special site is renowned for having one of the world’s finest conifer collections and nearly 12,000 tree specimens, including rare and historically important conifers.
Electricity lines which once crossed the forest and historic garden at Marshalls Lake had disappeared, in time to transform the lake into a magical ‘Fire Garden’ for the spectacular Christmas at Bedgebury light show and Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest’s centenary celebrations this year.
UK Power Networks invested £300,000 in the power line undergrounding project to enhance the natural beauty of the pinetum and the wider forest. The project was possible through the firm’s power line undergrounding scheme and successful projects are chosen by environmental experts on a regional steering group chaired by Natural England and including the High Weald National Landscape Partnership.
James Cole, protected areas project lead at UK Power Networks, said: “This project has improved the setting of an internationally important botanic garden and forest which is a cherished feature of High Weald National Landscape.
“The public enjoy this area for mountain biking, walking, riding, picnics and recreation, so we’re really pleased to restore the views by removing our equipment here.”
Jonathan Codd, general manager, Bedgebury National Pinetum and Forest and Forestry England, said: “We are delighted with the results of this project. The view at one of the most spectacular locations in Bedgebury Pinetum is now free from overhead power cables and this means the focus is completely on the national conifer collection in time for our centenary celebrations in 2025. The wider Bedgebury forest has also benefited from the removal of power lines and poles as the natural beauty of the woodland has been enhanced for all our visitors.”
Gerry Sherwin, from the High Weald National Landscape Partnership said: “Bedgebury Forest is a popular place for outdoor pursuits within the High Weald National Landscape and we are delighted that this project has removed intrusive features, enhancing the natural beauty of this special area for everyone.”
Once UK Power Networks devised and agreed a route for underground cables and substations, new underground cables and equipment were installed, then the overhead lines and poles were switched off and dismantled.
The power lines were visible from well-used paths and tracks running through the forest. The majority of the forest is designated ancient woodland and the Pinetum is Grade II* listed on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. As a former medieval deer park the area is rich in archaeological heritage, so the undergrounding was focused on the lane and forestry track to avoid sensitive features.
