Constructive Destruction

As I was driving past the ranges yesterday I noticed evidence of work in the woodland and scrub area on the perimeter path, so today headed up to investigate.  

A whole swathe of trees and bushes have been cleared, with notices informing that the work was for replacement of a gas pipeline between Southampton and London.  This area was a godsend during the lockdowns for walkers, so sad to see it. However, I guess the alternatives would have been closures of the adjacent roads or even more destruction of the protected SSSI areas of the ranges themselves.  The company have promised to restore the area, but even so it will be some years before it recovers.  Such is progress.