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The headline was clear. A protracted battle between residents of a West Hill neighbourhood and developers anxious to commence a Habitat for Humanity project had ended. The result was not to the benefit of nature, the environment or residents.

In contention was a parcel of undeveloped woodland beloved by wildlife and mankind alike. Dog walkers and those who relish rustic, natural habitat had a sense of place, adored it. So, too, strollers and those who enjoy solace.

Considering the pace at which mankind is devouring open spaces such as this, the way we chop and slaughter mature trees for housing, this small tract of land was blessed. In that it is owned by a religious organization one might think it was doubly blessed. Destined to remain untainted by man.

The machines of destruction ended that concept last week. A four-year battle by Manse Road neighbourhood residents determined to see that land remain untouched ended with the first belch of a chainsaw.

The rapid, relentless pace with which the land was cleared devastated many. Justly so. But to old-time residents of Scarborough it is a familiar story revisited. A review of Scarborough archival photos of 40 years ago will make my point.

I went to school at Heron Park Public School on Manse Road and know the land so recently cleared. West Hill had many, many such copses of woods and backwaters where nature ruled supreme. For example, the Guild area was one vast wood. No houses, roads, pavement, hydro lines, bus routes or streets defiled that vast place.

As kids we roamed those woods, had picnics and even hunted rabbits. None ever fell victim to our slingshots; wildlife abounded. Only the Guild Inn property was developed and it was a wonderland to inquisitive kids. Then came progress.

That was not the only untouched area in West Hill and Highland Creek. Vast tracts of open land were common. The plow and farmers had left. Money talked.

To get to school on Manse Road it was necessary for me to cross a large, open field between Kitchener Road and Morningside Avenue. I had to traipse through Water's Pond woods, cross a road and then into more woods before making my way to the school's back door.

That route was not much fun in winter. But in spring and fall a bounty of nature, songbirds, wildlife and more dotted the path. My friends and I loved it. Even seeing a skunk was a hallmark occasion.

Coming from the other direction, kids passed a major Lawrence Avenue pig farm and even more open fields. West Hill was country where most families had a garden and owned enough land to swing a cat. Nice? You bet it was.

During that era, The Willows existed and local waterways were dammed for swimming. Helliwell's Park in Highland Creek thrived. Cottages dotted the banks of the major waterways coursing through pristine woods, unharvested since the 1800s.

Kids roamed miles from home and were gone for hours at a time, even a day. In many homes both parents worked in Toronto. They left in the early morning and did not return until dinner time. The kids survived; flourished despite this seeming abandonment.

Scarborough, West Hill are now border-to-border pavement, massive housing complexes, a glut of development. Few natural spots left untouched. Now there is one less.

Housing for the needy will be built. But there will be no deer, few songbirds. Where are they to go? And we call this planning.

Progress. Taking care of business. Are they not grand?