Representation by Havant Friends of the Earth (Havant Friends of the Earth)
- Date submitted
- 16 January 2021
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Deadline 7a Submission - In relation to the Applicant's Change Request 2 With reference to Aquind's 2nd Change Request (AS-052), for the compulsory acquisition of additional areas of ancient woodland adjacent to the Convertor Station site: Havant Friends of the Earth agree that this will be necessary in order to ensure sufficient screening of the Convertor Station in the long term. We understand that careful management of the woodland will be needed, because of the prevalence of ash dieback disease. We would not want to see the immediate felling of all diseased trees, but that advice be followed to remove trees once leaf cover reduces to less than 50%, with the replacement planting of larger types of native non-ash trees. In view of the drive towards Zero Carbon, we would also like to see additional tree planting wherever there is appropriate space. The recommendations of the Outline Landscape and Biodiversity Strategy dated 23.12.2020 should be followed. Aquind should commit to protecting this ancient woodland, its eco-systems and wildlife by going into long-term partnership with the an organisation like the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to manage the woodlands for maximum biodiversity.