Campaigners fear for the future of rare wildlife if proposals to expand quarries on ancient woodland go ahead.
A proposed expansion of the Hermitage quarry, west of Maidstone, could result in the loss of at least 50 hectares of old-growth oak forest. According to the Woodland Trust, the site is likely to be home to a number of protected species, including rare bats, birds such as nightjars, insects such as the green tiger beetle and dormouse.
quarry One of the last two Ragstone quarries in Kent owned by aggregates company Gallagher, it produces over 2 million tonnes of aggregates per annum.
Kent County Council (KCC) launched the consult on whether quarry expansion should be pushed forward in its mine plan. Consultations will continue until July 25.
appalling
In response, the Woodland Trust has launched a campaign to stop what it claims is one of the largest losses of ancient woodland to development in England in the 21st century.
The trust’s head of activities, Jack Taylor, said the proposal was “shocking”. “We were shocked,” he said.
“Not only will this result in the loss of more than 50 hectares of old-growth woodland, any remaining old-growth woodland will be severely impacted, with huge impacts on local wildlife and the destruction of vital carbon stores.
“This proposal could destroy an area of ancient woodland greater than the damage caused by HS2 and the Lower Thames crossing combined.
“We are facing a climate crisis and facing widespread biodiversity loss, so we must stand against the destruction of such large and irreplaceable ancient forestlands.”
undisturbed
Old-growth woods are increasingly rare in the UK, covering just 2.5% of the land. Their soils, and the complex ecosystems within them, cannot be regrown or replaced.
However, according to Kent County Council, Oakenwood is classified as a “Plantation of Ancient Woodlands (PAWS)”, which includes “non-native tree species”, in this case sweet chestnut coppice, according to a record Public meeting on July 7th.
Although the site has been replanted, PAWS is “vital” for preserving ancient woodland features such as undisturbed soil, ground plants and fungi, Taylor explained.
“Oak includes indicator species such as hyacinth, agar, tucson and nightshade,” he adds.
“PAWS are old-growth woods and must be treated as such. Advice otherwise falls squarely at odds with government definitions and guidance.”
HS2
