Airport Proposals 'Catastrophic' for Wildlife
Kent Wildlife Trust, the county’s leading conservation charity, has warned that any airport development in the Thames Estuary would be catastrophic for fragile ecosystems and wildlife, and that it is prepared to fight any proposals.
This is in the wake of news that the Government may include options for an airport in the Thames Estuary in a draft policy framework for UK aviation that is due to go out for public consultation in March this year.
Chief Executive of Kent Wildlife Trust, John Bennett, said: “The Thames and Medway estuaries are extremely rich in wildlife and are internationally important for nature conservation. An airport here, whether coastal or offshore, will be catastrophic for wildlife communities.
“The impact on breeding, feeding and migratory birds will be huge, but there is also a wider community that includes wildflowers, bees, water voles and brown hares. Offshore, there are important habitats for fish and seals.
“Thames Estuary Airport options must be withdrawn from the draft policy framework for UK aviation.
“Ten years ago, Kent Wildlife Trust, with many others, successfully campaigned against plans for an airport at Cliffe Marshes in North Kent. However, the area is still under considerable pressure. If necessary, we are prepared to fight once more to protect our natural heritage.”
Thames Estuary Airport - a threat to wildlife
- News
- Spot the stars and Mars on the Marsh
- Snipe Snoop!
- Airport Proposals 'Catastrophic' for Wildlife
- From bats to butterflies, orchids to ornithology...
- Romney Marsh support for BBC's 'Stargazing' extravaganza
- Gardeners show off photographic skills
- What the Dickens was going on at Oare Marshes?
- Free fun family event to celebrate new March Looker's Hut
- Fears for Wildlife Over Estuary Airport Plans
- The Wildlife Trusts lose patience over new attack on nature
- Severe threat to North Kent's nationally important wildlife
- Marine Conservation Zones at Risk
- Sheep grazing returns to Dover Castle
- Wildart Trailblaze
- Rare jellyfish found on Kent's shores
- Rare habitat needs helping hand
- Showcase for wildlife
- Kent Bug is First in Uk!
- Saving the shining ram's-horn snail
- Recommended Marine Protected Areas for Kent revealed
- Not one - but two rare species found at Kent reserve!
- Otterly brilliant news!
- 'Tour de Fish' celebrates Kent's seas
- Seeds of Change
- Culling is not the cure
- Royal accolade to Trust's first Chief Executive
- Discover the ancient landscape history of South Blean Woods
- Visitors to enjoy easier access to nature
- Trusts' united voice for planning inquiry into threatened woodland
- Summer has come early for "Blean's butterfly"
- Highlands make a big impression in the Heathlands
- Oaken Wood; conservation charity fights quarry proposals
- Concern over new Government consultation
- Airport makes concessions to wildlife
- Gambolling spring lambs galore at new nature reserve
- Changes to Freepost Envelopes
- Wildlife Charity supports call to end fish waste
- 'Quick fix' forest sale must not threaten our natural heritage
- Hedgelaying course to manage our hedgerows
- New Year - new route for nature lovers
- Beelieve it or not, it's a new wildlife world record!
- Enhancements to the Stour
- New boost for 'Living Landscapes'
- New nature reserve needs urgent funding
