Local Wildlife May be Threatened
 The fields and open areas around Old Quarrington & Bowburn provide a habitat for countless species of mammals, amphibians & birds. Importantly, these include the Skylark, Lapwing, Curlew and various finches and other hedgerow birds. Recently (June 2002) numerous goldfinch, greenfinch and linnet have been seen feeding by the Parkhill to Old Quarrington bridle/cycleway.
The Great Crested Newt is in the ponds in this part of the Coxhoe Wildlife Site. This development will affect populations of these species. While the planning application says alternative wetland sites will be constructed, these cannot be the same as the existing habitats. It is likely that the newt population will suffer.
This area and its surrounds is only now recovering from previous activity and does seem to be attracting a wide range of wildlife, particularly birds. The diversity we presently enjoy on this land will be lost for the duration of any opencasting and could well be for some time afterwards.
We think this diversity is well worth saving and ask you to support us by making your views known to the Planning Inquiry. |
