Representation by Mrs Christine E Ridley
- Date submitted
- 13 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am very worried that an application to build on such an important site has been submitted. Surely with the latest news of vast numbers of creatures becoming extinct it is time to put nature first. Swanscombe is a unique open mosaic of coastal habitats, grasslands, scrub and wetlands which supports over 250 invertebrate species of conservation concern, including the Critically Endangered Distinguished jumping spider (Attulus distinguendus) found on only one other site in the UK, and Natural England have recommended that it should be declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Swanscombe is also home to nationally rare and endangered bees, spiders, beetles, wasps and a host of other invertebrates that make the site of national importance. It is absolutely disgraceful that losing this important site should even be contemplated. Humans enjoy and are part of the natural world, so clearly this site should be promoted as a nature reserve for everyone to enjoy.