Kent Wildlife Trust has raised concerns over the number of precious wildlife habitats being put on the market as their appeal to raise money to buy an ancient woodland reaches 30% of its target.
The Trust launched the appeal to purchase Covert Wood, a 26-hectare site in Elham near Canterbury in mid-April and, since then, the trust has raised £142,046 of its £462,500 target. Over 650 people have donated to the appeal, many leaving comments about the importance of protecting the site. One donor wrote “We need to protect these places for future generations” with another adding “I’m so happy to be able to contribute to saving beautiful Covert Wood, as it’s become my favourite place to spend time in nature and walk dog.”
Since launching the appeal several other woodlands have been put up for sale in the county, sparking fears that wildlife in Kent may suffer if the sites are not protected for nature.
Gorse Hill in Dover, a 12-hectare site in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has been listed for £275,000. The site has been described by agents as having ‘development potential.’ In addition to this, a substantial 85-hectare site, Upper Hardres Wood, near Canterbury, also in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was put on the market for £1.5 million.
Simon Bateman-Brown, Head of Land Management at Kent Wildlife Trust said: “Connecting people with nature and restoring nature at scale is fundamental to fighting the climate and biodiversity crises. It will take a concerted effort from us all to enact the change that now needs to be made and protecting these precious wildlife habitats is crucial.
“It is concerning that so many of these important, much-needed nature-rich habitats are being placed on the market in quick succession, as these sites need to be managed for wildlife if we are going to adapt to the challenges posed by the climate and nature crises.
“Covert Wood is a rich ancient woodland and there is a risk that it could be sold off in smaller individual sections. If this happens, it would be impossible to manage for the benefit of nature.”
The site comprises a striking broadleaf woodland, quintessential of East Kent, alongside oak, beech, hornbeam, and sweet chestnut. Visitors to the site will also find bluebells, wood anemones, bee and purple orchid and other key ancient woodland indicator species.
Because of this extremely special amalgamation of British woodland species, Covert Wood is classed as being of high conservation value.
Covert Wood offers a significant opportunity to connect fragmented woodland habitats, vital for species such as woodpeckers, nightingales and Pine marten which require healthy woodland that they can move between unimpeded.
Simon Bateman-Brown continued: “Under the management of the trust we can protect it indefinitely, running it as a nature reserve for wildlife. It is perfectly situated to help us connect the landscape for nature, something that our wildlife depleted country desperately needs.
“Whilst it may appear there is still some way to go to raise the required funds, the support we have had so far has been overwhelming, with over 650 people contributing to the appeal. I would like to thank everyone who has contributed. We will continue to fundraise and examine other ways to raise the money required so we can protect this ancient woodland.
“Together we can create bigger, better and more connected landscapes which allow nature to flourish in every corner of our county.”
Donations can be made online via Kent Wildlife Trust’s website.