Representation by Hilary Reilly
- Date submitted
- 12 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Although I do not live nearby, I am gravely concerned about the drastic decline in wildlife across the whole country. As a nurse who has worked non-stop throughout this pandemic, I was kept sane by nature in my own back garden and the walks round local beauty spots, and it has been proved that being able to access nature helped others' mental health and well being. The thought of losing yet more beautiful land ( whichNatural England have recommended be declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest) is utterly devastating. Swanscombe houses over 250 invertebrate species of conservation concern, including the Critically Endangered Distinguished jumping spider (Attulus distinguendus), which is found on only one other site in the UK. It is home to nationally rare and endangered bees, spiders, beetles, wasps and a host of other invertebrates that make the site of national importance. Its rich breeding bird assemblage includes 15 red-listed Birds of Conservation Concern and 12 Species of Principal Importance- including Marsh harriers, Bearded tit, Nightingales and Black redstart. 13 nationally scarce vascular plant species have been found at Swanscombe, including 5 red-listed species such as the Man orchid, as well as having locally important populations of reptiles, bats, Water vole and Otter. Surely these little lives are worth more than another theme park, there must be some other derelict land which could house this monstrosity. Please do not lose yet more precious lives and beautiful land, please preserve this area for what nature intended, and let people continue to enjoy the area for a long time to come.