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Tag: 2022

  • PRESS RELEASE : Ulster Unionists reject plan to close Lurgan Campus of Craigavon Senior High [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Ulster Unionists reject plan to close Lurgan Campus of Craigavon Senior High [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 20 December 2022.

    Ulster Unionist representatives in the Lurgan area have voiced strong opposition to the decision taken by the Education Department’s Permanent Secretary to close the Lurgan Campus of Craigavon Senior High School in spite of a long running and well supported campaign to keep it open.

    Ulster Unionist Party Leader and Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie MC said:

    “Over a protracted period the Lurgan community has fought to find a solution to the threatened closure of the Lurgan Campus of the Craigavon Senior High School, that kept the children in Lurgan and maintained a clear educational pathway.  Unfortunately, against the wishes of the community, academics, local councillors and the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s own Community Plan, the Permanent Secretary for the Department of Education has decided that he would rather bus the children from Lurgan to Portadown than find a Lurgan solution.

    “This will be a bitter blow to some of the most educationally vulnerable in Lurgan and shows a real lack of vision on the part of the Education Department. This is compounded by the very fact that when we did have an Executive, a Minster for Education refused to make a decision on this development proposal although pressed on it multiple times.

    “The reality is that the children of Lurgan have been failed over many years by the Education authority and when there was an opportunity to put education first, they decided to take the route of least resistance ignoring all other options.

    Lurgan Ulster Unionist Councillor Louise McKinstry said:

    “I am shocked and saddened at this decision. Successive education ministers have failed the children of Lurgan in the controlled sector by not making a decision earlier when they had many opportunities to do so, and they cannot run for cover now.

    “A consultation run by the Education Authority saw the proposed closure of the Lurgan Campus overwhelmingly rejected and yet we are now expected to accept the decision of an unelected civil servant to close the educational pathway for non-selected controlled pupils in a town the size of Lurgan. This is not acceptable and the children of Lurgan deserve better than this.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Animal medicines should be removed from the scope of the Protocol – Tom Elliott [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Animal medicines should be removed from the scope of the Protocol – Tom Elliott [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ulster Unionist Party on 20 December 2022.

    With another Protocol deadline looming, the Ulster Unionist Party’s Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs spokesperson Tom Elliott has welcomed the confirmation from the EU that they have agreed a further three year extension to the grace period for access to veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.

    Commenting on problems facing the agri-food industry due to the inclusion of animal medicines in the protocol Mr Elliott said:

    “Although this is only a stop-gap and temporary solution, we should never have been in this position and I have called on numerous occasions – the last being just a month ago – that animal medicines should be removed from the scope of the Protocol.

    “The extended grace period for medicines was planned to come to an end this month at the end of 2022 and so far, the implementation of the full protocol rules would mean that potentially half of all veterinary medicines would no longer be available. The potential impact to our agri-food industry is significant to say the least, and this should never have been allowed to happen. We have an agri-food industry that is second to none with excellent markets in GB, the EU and right across the world which contribute over £500 million to the economy of Northern Ireland.

    “This is a very significant issue, not only for animal health and welfare but also for public health, the food supply chain and the Northern Ireland farming community. There is potential for severe repercussions.

    “The farming community should continue to have access to the same medicines that are freely available in any other part of the UK and it is vital that our concerns are raised in any negotiations. The EU need to recognise the problems that have been created because of dual regulations. The risks are very real and need addressing as a matter of urgency and that is why I have written to HM Government to highlight this inequality and to ask that they do all in their power to resolve this.

    “Medicines should never have been included in the Protocol. I am asking for a practical common-sense approach to this issue and remove animal medicines from the scope of the Protocol, which would help future proof the agri-food industry and at the same time provide a solution that helps protect animal health and food security.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Imperative that the energy bill support scheme is delivered promptly – Andy Allen [December 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Imperative that the energy bill support scheme is delivered promptly – Andy Allen [December 2022]

    The press release issued by the Ulster Unionists on 19 December 2022.

    East Belfast Ulster Unionist MLA and Communities spokesperson Andy Allen MBE has welcomed the update from Business and Energy Secretary Grant Shapps MP that Energy bills support for households in Northern Ireland is to commence from January 2023.

    Mr Allen said:

    “I cautiously welcome the update from the Business and Energy secretary that energy bill support for households in Northern Ireland is to commence from January 2023. However, for many this will be later than when it was most needed and I remain of the view that this much needed support could have been delivered weeks ago.

    “Today’s announcement also raises a significant number of questions, therefore, I would call on the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to promptly pull together a question and answer guide that may be able to provide further clarity for households.

    “The scheme has also been likened to the high street voucher scheme previously run by the Department for the Economy, which we know presented challenges for many people when it came to providing identification. Many people still don’t have any form of ID, which may cause challenges for them to avail of the voucher support.

    “Critically, as the support here is coming much later than it should have and unlike other regions of the United Kingdom there are no alternative packages of support from either the Departments for Communities, Economy or otherwise, the UK Government must ensure the £600 support is proactively delivered. Every passing day that it is not will result in households being pushed further into hardship.

    “This short-term intervention is both welcome and much-needed, however, it cannot be a substitute for local intervention to tackle the root causes of poverty and a reliance on fossil fuels.”

  • Nova Fairbank – 2022 Comments on the Norwich Western Link

    Nova Fairbank – 2022 Comments on the Norwich Western Link

    The comments made by Nova Fairbank from Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.

    The Norwich Western Link will facilitate easier access to both Norwich airport and Great Yarmouth port. It will further help to improve journeys into and around the west of the city, support potential housing and jobs growth; provide the infrastructure to manage the additional traffic this will create, and improve quality of life for people living in the area.

    This final piece of the puzzle will ensure that Norfolk has infrastructure that will meet our growth ambitions. It will create stronger and more effective links to the Midlands and the North and will help Norfolk businesses to thrive and deliver greater economic growth and jobs.

  • PRESS RELEASE : National Highways announce new environmental sustainability division as it targets net zero [January 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : National Highways announce new environmental sustainability division as it targets net zero [January 2022]

    The press release issued by National Highways on 7 January 2022.

    National Highways has created a new division for Environmental Sustainability as it underlines its commitment to the environment and achieving net zero carbon.

    The new division, headed by Stephen Elderkin, will work with National Highways’ executive directors and board to deliver the ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions to net zero across England’s motorways and major A-roads by 2050.

    Bringing together National Highways’ environmental teams and a new carbon team into one central division, it will raise the profile of environment within the organisation and create additional capacity and capability on this vital subject.

    As well as driving towards net zero, the division of 50 people will also develop National Highways’ new environmental strategy – a key theme that will be central to any future road investment strategies.

    Stephen brings to the position extensive experience from both major project delivery and economic and chief analyst roles. He’s moving into the new post having led the £1bn A12 upgrade scheme for the last 3 years.

    His career prior to joining National Highways focussed on environmental sustainability, including working for the Department of Energy and Climate Change and Defra. His roles included leading the Government analysis for the Climate Change Act, carbon budgets and energy efficiency policies.

    Stephen said:

    It’s a privilege to take on this role at such a critical time. We’ve seen how COP26 has brought heightened public recognition of the need for action on climate change.

    National Highways connects the country, playing a vital role in national prosperity. But we must do that sustainably, making our contribution to achieving a net zero economy and showing ambition and leadership to leave a positive legacy through our approach to the environment.

    The challenge to us and the industry is to demonstrate how we are delivering improved environment outcomes; rapidly decarbonising transport and supporting biodiversity to create the cleaner, greener network a zero carbon Britain needs.

    The environmental challenges we face can only be achieved by working together – I look forward to working with our supply chain partners and stakeholders to achieve our ambitious goals.

    Moving forward, the division will have several key objectives, including:

    • implementing the net zero plan; achieving net zero for corporate emissions by 2030, net zero for construction and maintenance emissions by 2040 and net zero for road user emissions by 2050
    • developing the long-term vision for an environmentally sustainable National Highways and a strategy to get there
    • enhancing biodiversity
    • reducing local environmental impacts from our network

    Mike Wilson, Executive Director, Safety Engineering and Standards, said:

    We’re committed to our ambitious vision of net zero by 2050 but recognise the scale of the challenge that faces us.

    Being able to call on someone with Stephen’s experience will make a real difference in our capability to deliver that promise.

    Our net zero carbon plan and the new division will put roads at the heart of the low carbon economy, while preserving the convenience and economic benefit of an efficient road network.

    The Government-owned company has already started sustained action towards decarbonising England’s motorways and A-roads so they can continue to bring significant benefits to motorists, communities and businesses in a net-zero future.

    The plan will put roads at the heart of Britain’s net zero future through three key commitments; achieving net zero for its own operations by 2030; delivering net zero road maintenance and construction by 2040; and supporting net zero carbon travel on our roads by 2050.

    Read the full net zero plan.

  • Jerome Mayhew – 2022 Comments on the Norwich Western Link

    Jerome Mayhew – 2022 Comments on the Norwich Western Link

    The comments made by Jerome Mayhew, the Conservative MP for Broadland, in the House of Commons on 18 January 2022.

    Jerome Mayhew

    I disagree with the hon. Member for Norwich South (Clive Lewis) about the western link road. We have created, essentially, an orbital route around Norwich, but rather like the situation with the M25 and the Thames, we have decided not to build the bridge. It is very damaging to connectivity, particularly for the north-east of the county getting access to the physical markets in the rest of the country—

    Clive Lewis

    The hon. Gentleman talks about a bridge over the Thames, but this is a massive road bulldozed through an ecologically sensitive area. There were options to go over the most ecologically sensitive parts, but they were a bit more expensive and were rejected. I think that point needs to be made.

    Jerome Mayhew

    I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s intervention. It is also a bridge over the River Wensum, as he knows. A consultation was undertaken and, taking that into account, the best route was reached. It deals with a huge amount of rat-running and links north Norfolk to the rest of the country.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Campaigners from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have signed a joint statement calling for greener priorities in Transport East’s 30-year plan [January 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Campaigners from Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex have signed a joint statement calling for greener priorities in Transport East’s 30-year plan [January 2022]

    The press release issued by the Stop the Wensum Link group on 31 January 2022.

    The campaigners want to see a transport plan that actually delivers on the green vision set out in the Transport East consultation[1]. They seek a strategy that:

    1. prioritises funding for cycling, walking and public transport;
    2. puts a freeze on new carbon-emitting, traffic-inducing road-building;
    3. addresses current transport needs rather than ‘unlocking’ thousands of new homes through road-building;
    4. takes into account the problems and benefits of different transport approaches. These should include health problems and costs to the NHS caused by air pollution and traffic noise, and benefits such as lower healthcare costs for active populations who cycle and walk regularly.

    Suffolk quote:

    “It is disappointing that Transport East is perpetuating, in projects selected, the Government line that growth, specifically housing growth along major roads, is good. They have repeatedly said they want to reach zero carbon by 2030. Their proposed strategy, as part of Transport East, contains lots of fancy words about sustainable goals but look closely and the proposed actions and spending are mainly about road building to encourage more driving, more use of airports and more house building.” Cllr Robert Lindsay, deputy leader of the Green, LibDem, Independent Group on Suffolk County Council Council.

    Essex quote:

    “Transport East’s consultation starts with all the right words, but when you delve into the projects that are proposed, it’s clear that its more of the same: road-based growth. What the region desperately requires is a plan that moves away from road-building and focuses on an integrated rural and urban public transport service and safe cycling routes for school children and commuters. That, perhaps funded by workplace charging, as introduced with great success in Nottingham, will be the only way that we can cut carbon emissions and improve air quality for the people of Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk.” Rosie Pearson, Campaigner, Essex.

    Norfolk quote:

    “In Norfolk, road-building has dominated transport planning for decades. Now that is taking us ever further from the net zero target and destroying ecosystems and blighting communities with noise and air pollution. While it is good to see some very positive goals in Transport East’s 30-year strategy, the reality is that still far too much emphasis is being placed on building roads to support car-based travel. It is important to realise that electric cars are not the solution to our problems. They further encourage road-building, do nothing to prevent congestion and encourage urban sprawl instead of walkable communities.” Andrew Boswell, former Norfolk County Councillor and campaigner

    Signed by

    Cllr James Abbott, leader of the Green & Independent Group on Braintree District Council

    Dr Andrew Boswell, Independent Scientist & Consultant, Norfolk

    Cllr Jan Davis, Group Leader of the Greens on Broadland District Council Cllr.Jan.Davis@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk

    Dr Pallavi Devulapalli, West Norfolk Green Party d_pallavi@hotmail.com

    Colne Stour Countryside Association

    Lisa Cross, campaigner and Green Party member.

    Alistair Daw, Billericay Action Group, Essex

    Edward Gildea, Uttlesford Green Party

    Cllr, Robert Lindsay, deputy leader of the Green, LibDem, Independent Group on Suffolk County Council

    Andrea Luxford-Vaughan, Mayor of Wivenhoe and Colchester Borough Councillor

    Rebekah McGrane, Campaigner, Essex

    Rosie Pearson, Planning & Environmental campaigner, Essex

    Cllr Tim Regester, Campaigner, Suffolk

    Trisha Roberts, Campaigner

    Dr Iain Robinson on behalf of Wensum Woodlanders, Norfolk

    Michael Staines, Campaigner & Independent Candidate, Essex

    Cllr Paul Thorogood, Green Party, Essex

    Cllr Lucy Galvin Leader Green Party Group Norwich City Council l.galvin@cllr.Norwich.gov.uk

    Cllr Ben Price Leader Green Party Group Norfolk County Council Ben.price.cllr@norfolk.gov.uk

    ​Rosie Pearson
    Chair & Co-Founder
    Community Planning Alliance
    stopurbansprawlnow@gmail.com
    https://www.communityplanningalliance.org/

  • PRESS RELEASE : Norwich Western Link remains catastrophic for wildlife despite route changes [July 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Norwich Western Link remains catastrophic for wildlife despite route changes [July 2022]

    The press release issued by Norfolk Wildlife Trust on 4 July 2022.

    Following information published by Norfolk County Council ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, a group of environmental organisations continue to raise grave concerns about the ecological impact of the proposed Norwich Western Link.

    The Council has shared data from new ecological surveys on the location of bat roosts and feeding areas within an ancient woodland found on the proposed route, and published a new route map that they believe will avoid significant impacts to the bats.

    Independent bat expert, Dr Charlotte Packman, has been carrying out in-depth research into the presence of barbastelle bats on the proposed route for the past four years.

    Dr Charlotte Packman said: “Norfolk County Council’s reports only show a very limited snapshot of what is known about the nationally important barbastelle super-colony that is located here – with colony counts, home ranges, foraging areas and roosts substantially underrepresented in their reports.

    “For example, at one colony the peak count recorded by the Council’s surveys is reported as 16 barbastelles, where we have recorded 105. Our data has been verified by UEA, making this currently the largest known barbastelle roost in the country.

    “This is very concerning as the true scale and importance of the barbastelle super-colony has not been presented in the Council’s reports and therefore the proposed impact of the road on barbastelles will be significantly underestimated. This is an exceptional population of a very rare species that is considered to be something of a ‘Norfolk specialty’ – we have an important obligation to ensure that it is properly protected before it is too late.”

    Mike Jones, NWT Conservation Officer, said: “Norfolk County Council’s proposed route amendment to avoid a handful of ancient and veteran trees does nothing to address the concerns for wildlife we have been raising for years. The bats need to feed and roost across areas of more than six kilometres, making a home in the flaking bark of trees found deep in the woodland and feeding from the far corners of this unique natural landscape.

    “Barbastelle bats are in serious decline globally and here in Norfolk we are the guardians of one of Europe’s most significant maternity colonies. The survival of these bats relies on us considering the long-term impacts to the species on a landscape scale.

    “As creatures of habit, imagine the shock they will experience when a 3–4-mile dual carriageway appears with no notice, running through the heart of their roosting and foraging grounds. One of the most devastating impacts will be separating the bats from the fields and marshes where they feed. The proposed road will inevitably result in the deaths of many bats and risks the local extinction of a globally threatened and, let’s not forget, legally protected species.

    “In addition to other significant wildlife impacts, the growing knowledge of the bats’ existence on the route is a game-changer and, despite the resources already invested by Norfolk County Council in this plan, must put a stop to the Norwich Western Link.”

    In spring 2021, Norfolk Wildlife Trust requested that Natural England consider the area of woodland, including ancient woodland, for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recognition of the importance of the area for wildlife.

    Norfolk Wildlife Trust is part of a collective of environmental organisations including Stop the Wensum Link, CPRE, Friends of the Earth, the Woodland Trust, Norfolk Rivers Trust and Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society, all of whom oppose the development on the grounds of the unacceptable impact it will have on wildlife and the wider natural landscape.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Our Open Letter, in objection to the Norwich Western Link [August 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : Our Open Letter, in objection to the Norwich Western Link [August 2022]

    The press release issued by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust on 17 August 2022.

    Today, we sent an open letter to Councillor Andrew Proctor, in objection to the Norwich Western Link road (NWL). Read the full letter below. You can add your voice by sharing this letter, and signing the petition. The public consultation on the NWL is now open, and we will soon be advising on how best to respond.

    Dear Councillor Proctor,

    We write to express our grave concerns about the impact of the proposed Norwich Western Link Road on Norfolk’s wildlife and landscape. This week, Norfolk County Council has opened a public consultation on the road and we are writing to convey the strength of our objections to the plans.

    For over two years, environmental organisations, including Norfolk Wildlife Trust, have been highlighting the unavoidable negative impact the road will have on a well-connected network of vital wildlife habitats and the species that call them home, many of which are protected by law.

    The area is home to ancient woodlands, grasslands, chalk streams and floodplains and supports veteran trees and species including bats, badgers, farmland birds such as yellowhammer and linnet and a wide variety of invertebrates. The proposed development will fragment this wildlife-rich area, damage the River Wensum Site of Special of Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and destroy parts of three County Wildlife Sites.

    Of most concern is the evidence from a growing body of independent research, which presents incontrovertible evidence that the proposed Norwich Western Link route goes through the heart of the UK’s largest known barbastelle bat colony. Barbastelle bats are in serious decline globally and the proposed road will separate them from the fields and marshes where they feed and inevitably result in the deaths of many bats. This risks the local extinction of a globally threatened species.

    We consider this to be totally unacceptable and reject any claims the Council makes that they can build the road and safeguard the bat population. Barbastelle bats have the highest level of legal protection, a colony of this size should be designated and protected from all forms of development.

    For local government to prioritise this development and seek extensive funding from national government is directly at odds with commitments to address our biodiversity and climate crises. It also sets a dangerous precedent that will spell disaster for UK nature.

    We, the undersigned robustly oppose the proposed road to protect wildlife in Norfolk, and across the UK. We will be responding in these terms to the consultation and urging others to do the same.

    Signed by

    Eliot Lyne, CEO, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

    Alice Liddle, Chair of Trustees, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

    Patrick Barkham, President, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

    Chris Packham

    Stephen Fry

    George Monbiot, Writer and environmental activist

    Dr Charlie Gardner, Patron of Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management (CIEEM)

    Mark Cocker, Author and naturalist

    Professor Tim O’Riordan, President, CPRE The Countryside Charity (Norfolk)

    Chris Dady, Chairman, CPRE The Countryside Charity (Norfolk)

    Crispin Truman OBE, Chief Executive, CPRE The Countryside Charity

    Steve Rowland, RSPB Area Manager (Norfolk & Lincolnshire)

    Toby Bancroft, Regional Director, The Woodland Trust (Central England)

    Dr Jonah Tosney, Technical Director, Norfolk Rivers Trust

    Dr A R Leech, Chair, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists Society

    Sarah Eglington, Group Coordinator, Norwich Friends of the Earth

    Iain Robinson, Stop the Wensum Link

    David Pett, Stop the Wensum Link

    Craig Macadam, Conservation Director, Buglife

    Sharon Hearle, Conservation Manager (Eastern Region), East of England Butterfly Conservation

    Ash Murray, Chair, Norfolk Barbastelle Study Group

    Will Fitch, Chair, Norfolk and Norwich Bat Group

    Dr Carol Williams, Director of Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust

    Chris Todd, Director, Transport Action Network

    Dr Andrew Boswell, Independent Scientist and Consultant, Climate Emergency Planning and Policy

    Rupert Read, Climate activist and Associate Professor, UEA

    Hugh Warwick, Author, ecologist and Visiting Fellow at Oxford Brookes University

    James Murray-White, Environmental film-maker

    Amy Jane Beer, Biologist and writer

    Nick Acheson, NWT Ambassador

    D J Taylor, Norfolk-based Critic and Novelist

    Rachel Hore, Norfolk-based Novelist

  • PRESS RELEASE : The Western Link: What would happen to our wildlife? [August 2022]

    PRESS RELEASE : The Western Link: What would happen to our wildlife? [August 2022]

    The press release issued by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust on 8 August 2022.

    Very soon Norfolk County Council will be opening a public consultation on the Western Link of the Northern Distributor Road (NDR) around Norwich. The road will travel between Weston Longville and Ringland, joining the A47 near Horningham. The proposed road will also include a viaduct over the River Wensum. Norfolk Wildlife Trust is firmly against the construction of this road. NWT believes there is clear evidence that the road will result in unacceptable environmental damage, and not least, it fails to meet the country’s legal obligation to prevent habitat loss and climate change.

    The landscape the road would cross is a well-connected network of vital wildlife habitats, including ancient woodlands, grassland, crystal clear chalk-streams and wetland floodplains. The area supports several species of bat, including the rare and protected barbastelle bat. It is a beautiful landscape supporting complex communities of plants and animals, including declining farmland birds such as yellowhammer and linnet.

    The proposed road will fragment this wildlife-rich area, damage the River Wensum Site of Special Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and destroy parts of several County Wildlife Sites. The proposal will not only compromise irreplaceable ancient woodland, it also threatens the wildlife and landscape value of the River Wensum and Tud. Both are astonishingly rare chalk river habitats, and are full of aquatic plants, invertebrates and fish, such as brown trout. Chalk-stream rivers are undoubtable our most important and valuable habitat, with less than 200 found across the globe, Southern England holds 85% of these precious and vulnerable gems. Not only would a viaduct blot the landscape, its construction could threaten the river with pollution hazards, and the detrimental effect of long-term road surface run-off are still unknown.

    The United Kingdom is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. The legally binding Environment Act commits the UK Government to work towards nature’s recovery. Overwhelmingly, people understand that when nature thrives, so do we. NWT believes that it is time for local and national authorities to place the protection of our natural environment at the forefront of all decision making.

    One of the most concerning aspects of the proposed Norwich Western Link route is that it would run through the home of what is thought to be the UK’s largest barbastelle bat colony, a group of linked maternity woodland colonies described by local experts as a super-colony. The barbastelle bat is in serious decline globally, and barbastelle bats have the highest level of legal protection given to wildlife in the UK. These colonies are highly dependent on the surrounding rich tapestry of habitats, regularly travelling up to six kilometres to their feeding grounds, and the road would not only destroy roosts, but also isolate these colonies from each other and sever important corridors between the roosts and feeding sites. With the focus of the recent Environment Act rightly on nature’s recovery, this super-colony should be designated and protected from development, rather than left to suffer death by a thousand cuts.

    Norfolk County Council have admitted that the area of impact will extend much further than the width of the carriageways. The land around the proposed road will become fragmented and degraded for wildlife through noise, lighting and pollution, with a worrying tally of road deaths to birds and bats being of particular concern.

    Planners, of course, will attempt to mitigate for habitat loss, but fifty saplings are no replacement for a hundred-year-old oak with flaking bark and knot holes that these bats depend on. We are just beginning to understand the complexity of woodland soil, and the interconnectivity through the ‘wood wide web’ that is associated with ancient woodlands, for these eco-systems can take centuries to form. Wildlife underpasses, green bridges and bat gantries rarely work. The existing bat gantries on the NDR cost one million pounds each, these are designed to encourage bats to fly over the traffic, but evidence suggests they don’t work. Failed wildlife mitigation is no mitigation, and the term ‘green-washing’ has been coined to summarise the manner in which planners try and push through applications, often based on poor evidence of successful wildlife protection.

    In 1926, when the then Norfolk Naturalist Trust took it upon themselves to purchase land on the North Norfolk coast at Cley, it was for no other reason than to protect wild birds. This was a new and revolutionary idea at the time. It’s sad to think that nearly one hundred years later, we are still having to fight against the destruction of Norfolk’s beautiful landscapes and wildlife, despite – apparently – being legally protected by law.

    If you’d like to find out more about the Norwich Western Link and how you can take action to support wildlife from this development, please visit www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/ndr.