Anger As Council Go Against Expert Advice And Savage Wildlife Habitat
Shotley Parish Council is pressing ahead with its plans to destroy wildlife habitat to plant some fruit tree, using taxpayers' money.
The council went against advice from various experts to clear a large area of scrub and brambles at Heritage Woods, between Lower Harlings and Shotley Cliffs, which was home to endangered species of insects, various birds (some quite rare) and bats.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust were among groups who strongly advised the council not to destroy the valuable area, warning that that the scrub and brambles was home to stag beetles and other endangered species along with a variety of rare birdlife, such as linnet, turtle dove, song thrush, grasshopper warbler, yellowhammer, bullfinch and dunnock (all of which have been recorded in the area or its immediate surroundings).
The parish council claimed on social media the Suffolk Wildlife Trust were on board with the project and were involved in the management of the area going forward.
However, that is not the case and the Trust has confirmed it did not condone the council's actions and do not support the Community Orchard project going forward in that area.
Ben McFarland, head of conservation at the Trust, told Shotley Peninsula Nub news: "I can confirm we advised against removal of the scrub and therefore did not give our blessing. We are not working with them in the area either."
Carrying out the work without carrying out any wildlife survey, and ignoring advice, has angered residents, community groups and highly respected local experts.
Ian Peters, from the Viking Project, which looks after Golden Wood and has offered tree planting on its land, said: "Thank you orchard group and parish council for destroying important wildlife habitat to furnish your dreams.
"No doubt you will be really happy with your efforts. Our wildlife certainly won't." Gary Richens, Shotley Open Spaces chairman, who has regularly seen bats and a range of birds in the area, made numerous requests to the parish council not to carry out the work against advice, was deeply saddened by the actions, which goes against a range of initiatives aimed at protecting wildlife areas. "I'm appalled at the hacking down of wildlife habitat against all the advice given by Suffolk Wildlife Trust and others.," said Mr Richens. "BBC Radio Suffolk launched Planet Suffolk' last week to bring back wild spaces for nature."As the photo shows, the hacking down of this nesting site to make way for 12 fruit trees seems pointless, especially when other areas available that don't need clearing."
The parish council were approached for comment but declined the opportunity to add to their social media assertions.
In addition, Shotley Open Spaces issued this statement: 'While applauding the idea of planting another orchard in our village the Committee of Shotley Open Spaces feel compelled to register their disappointment with the intractable attitude of the Parish Council towards positioning the trees. The site is unsuitable because it entails the removal of a large area of wildlife habitat. To deny this fact is untenable. Refusing to consider other sites is not rational.
A number of experts, both locals and members of wildlife conservation bodies, have advised you of these facts.Stating that you are not doing anything actually illegal by ignoring this advice does not make it the right thing to do. Even your tree supplier says the planting could be delayed for a short while and other sites considered. The site that has already been cleared would recover within a year. Admitting that a different site could be found would show strength. Willingness to correct things would be laudable. Ploughing on regardless of supportive advice and established facts, would signify arrogance and a disregard for the many species that will be disadvantaged or driven away.Some Councillors, and most Parishioners, were unaware of the whole picture before this plan was publicised. Arguably it would not meet the approval of a majority of residents.
We urge you to reconsider this ill-advised course of action. Please postpone this planting and select another site.'
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