Environmental considerations Hindhead Tunnel

milestone on pre-1826 road, close gibbet hill. inscription reads portsmouth 30 , hyde park corner 39 , godalming 7 , liphook 11

from outset tunnel built rather cutting being dug avoid spoiling area of outstanding natural beauty , site of special scientific interest, of owned national trust. before digging started environmental survey carried out. common lizards, adders , slow-worms found @ boundless valley relocated national trust land @ highcombe edge while grass snakes taken hurthill copse.

tree felling scheduled minimise disruption nesting birds , other wild-life , in instances, animals such dormice removed similar habitats elsewhere. after works completed, 200,000 trees planted on route of old road. restoration of old road nature removed barrier prevented migration of ground-nesting birds, such woodlarks , nightjars 1 part of nature reserve other.

among artefacts found old milestone discarded during rebuilding of road in 1826. 1811 ordnance survey map used identify original position of stone has since been re-erected. pre-1826 road pedestrian way gibbet hill. other artefacts of archaeological interest included 2 lime kilns found near thursley side of works dating 18th or 19th centuries. probable lime produced kilns came petersfield 25 kilometres (16 mi) away , have been used counteract acid nature of soil.

the main contractors received preservation award @ 2011 tunnels , tunnelling awards ceremony.