Highways England should reveal just how much ancient
woodland is under threat of loss or damage from the Lower Thames
Crossing says the Woodland Trust.
The charity has renewed its call for clarity after Highways
England this week (29 January 2020) launched a new public
consultation into the road scheme linking Essex and Kent , but
has yet again failed to put a figure on the threat to the
precious irreplaceable habitat.
The Trust’s own assessment of the impacts is
worrying:
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Nine areas of ancient woodland are threatened with direct
damage and loss, three of which are designated as Sites of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) including the Woodland
Trust-owned Ashenbank Woods SSSI.
-
Three further ancient woods face deterioration from
indirect damage.
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15 veteran trees are within the development boundary and
as such are under threat of damage or loss.
Lead campaigner at the Trust, Jack Taylor
said:
“We know the Lower Thames Crossing is the road to ruin for
local ancient woodland, but we don’t know just how bad it’s going
to be. That’s unacceptable. Highways England needs to
publish the full details and stop hiding just how bleak the
picture is.”
“We want the protection of ancient woods and trees to be a
priority before Highways England submits its application to the
Planning Inspectorate. It needs to listen to concerns for the
ancient woods and veteran trees of Essex and Kent. Many of these
woods are prime examples of ancient woodland and are specially
protected in recognition of their value and uniqueness. They are
living descendants from Britain’s prehistory and home to some of
our rarest and most iconic species, from bluebells to dormice to
woodpeckers.
“We are not against the principle of a new crossing but
believe that the destruction and deterioration of ancient
woodland is unacceptable. These are irreplaceable national
treasures and we must do all we can to protect them.”
Ancient woodland cover stands at just 2.4per cent in the
UK. Ancient woods are defined as land that has been continuously
wooded since 1600 which makes them irreplaceable. Many are often
many centuries older.
The continuity of conditions over hundreds, maybe
thousands, of years has led to the development of complex and
valuable ecological communities. From deep underground in the
soils, through the forest floor, the numerous vegetative layers
through to above the tree canopy, the many different species
associated with these habitats interact with each other to create
one of the most dynamic and wildlife rich ecosystems in the
UK.
Highways England’s consultation closes on 25 March. Members
of the public who would like to add their voice to the Trust’s
and call for Highways England to protect ancient woods and
veteran trees can do so via www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/campaigns
Notes to editors
The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity
in the UK. It has over 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK
rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.
The Trust has three key aims: i) protect ancient
woodland which is rare, unique and irreplaceable, ii) restoration
of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our
natural history back to life, iii) plant native trees and woods
with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and
wildlife.
Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,200
sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access
to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and
trees.
The sites the Trust considers to be at risk are:
Direct loss: (*SSSIs)
Kent: Shorne Wood*, Brewers Wood*, Brices Plantation*
Ashenbank * Cole Wood, Codham Hall Wood and Claylane
Wood;
Essex: Rainbow Wood and Ashen Shaw
Indirect damage:
Essex: Folkes Lane Woodland, Hobbs Hole and Franks
Wood
