Massive U.K. landslide connected to deforestation of slope

The railway line connecting Banbury and Leamington Spa was blocked with nearly 350,000 tonnes of soil and rubble after a massive landslide in early February. Satellite photographs of the area, from 2006 till 2012 show the gradual deforestation of the adjacent slope, this being considered the main reason for the landslide. 

The Harbury cutting along the railway line is among the deepest and steepest across the UK. Satellite pictures (also provided below) reveal its dense vegetation in 2006, which was removed by 2012, leaving the slope entirely bare and exposed to erosion. Network Rail removed the trees without reducing the slope angle in 2008, in order to protect the track. It is believed that tree removal has accelerated soil erosion, leading to the massive landslide. This is further supported by the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, stating that in temperate climates, there is a high risk of landslides even after 15 years following deforestation. 

The absence of environmental impact assessment is not only absent in this particular case. The Guardian comments on the uncontrolled deforestation occurring across the country for the development of farming activities. Such activities have a direct effect on the flooding hazard that many UK areas are facing, leading the government to spend billions of pounds in flood protection works. 

But the particular practice is not unknown to many countries worldwide. In India, China, Mexico, Haiti and many more, deforestation is held responsible for many deadly and devastating landslides. Last March, Steelhead Haven settlement in Washington state, U.S., was entirely buried under a massive landslide, leaving 43 victims behind. The incident was connected to the deforestation of an area above the landslide in 2005, violating a prohibition of timber activities. Based on a 1988 issued report, tree cutting along the particular slope would accelerate soil erosion, thus reducing slope stability for a period of 16 years.