Representation by The Woodland Trust (The Woodland Trust)
- Date submitted
- 31 March 2021
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
The Woodland Trust welcomes the opportunity to register a representation to the following project. We hold concerns with regards to the potential impact of this scheme on ancient woodland within proximity to the A2 carriageway. Whilst we note that no works will be undertaken within ancient woodland directly to facilitate the proposed scheme, we are concerned about potential indirect impacts from associated transport infrastructure and the likely increase in traffic emissions and associated nitrogen pollution that would occur as a result (as outlined in Chapter 16 (Air Quality)). Ancient woodland ecosystems, and the soils on which they have developed, are of special importance because of their long history of ecological and cultural continuity. Ancient woodland habitats are irreplaceable, and sensitive to changes in the external environment. As such, any significant increases in the levels of nitrogen will lead to continued deterioration of ancient woodland habitat, its ecological integrity, and in turn its suitability for local wildlife populations.