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Suffolk Woodland in grave danger
Last modified: 13 January 2012
The RSPB is expressing serious concern over potential damage to one of the region’s most ancient areas of woodland.
A proposal for National Grid’s preferred route for the new Bramford to Twinstead power connection in Suffolk would mean that the power pylons cut right through the heart of this special woodland.
The woods are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, meaning they are among the cream of the UK’s wildlife sites. They are one of the largest areas of ancient woodland in Suffolk, and are nationally important for the diversity and range of plants, animals and insects they support.
John Sharpe, Regional Conservation Manager for the RSPB said: “A new overhead line through Hintlesham or Ramsey Wood would require the destruction of parts of this ancient woodland – irreplaceable habitat which we cannot afford to lose.
“The pylons would also split the woods into separate parts and worryingly, form a barrier to movement for plants and animals. These woods support the best concentrations of marsh tits and nuthatches in the county, birds that thrive in large blocks of woodland. They are also home to green hellebore, herb-paris and wild service trees, plants that are rarely found outside of ancient woodlands.”
Fragmentation is considered one of the greatest threats to habitats, especially ancient woodland. Emphasis should be placed on reconnecting woodland blocks so that wildlife and flora and fauna can thrive in their natural environment.
John Sharpe continued: “These woods have been in existence since at least the middle ages, if not the last Ice Age, and we simply cannot re-create their splendour elsewhere. National Grid need to acknowledge the importance of such a site, for wildlife, for the environment and for the health of the local communities. The RSPB will fight hard to ensure that another route is used for this power line.”
The RSPB recognises that options for the transmission line are still being assessed, and are engaging with National Grid, Natural England and other organisations to ensure an alternative route is selected.