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A number of surveys
were commissioned for the land behind Clare Road in Whitstable
(otherwise known as the 'Green Lung') to provide an independent
view on the ecological effects of the path. The conclusions
to these reports are given below.
Landscape
and Tree Surveys
The landscape
report and tree surveys (which form part of the planning application)
highlight how the extension is GOOD for the Green Lung. Such
positives include:
- 13%
of the present trees, shrubs and scrub are considered moderate
quality only; the remaining 87% low quality or worse. 25%
is dead or dying.
- The
area is unmanaged and becoming overrun by scrub and brambles;
trees are being swamped by ivy and bindweed. If left, the
natural decline in the trees plus man made damage will lead
to the deterioration of the site and potentially its loss.
- The
proposed path will be managed by our Local Authorities with
the vegetation maintained to promote healthy growth.
- All
vegetation lost to the path construction will be replaced
and there will be in-filled planting to reduce overlooking.
The proposal is to plant 257 heavy trees (maple, ash and
oak), 487 light trees (birch, ash, holly, cherry, etc) plus
2,812 shrubs and bushes (dogwood, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn,
etc).
- There
is no evidence of roosting bats - but the line is important
for bat foraging and commuting. The new path should not
be detrimental to such activity. In fact, it may contribute
to the diversity of habitat and increase flying insects
and food for bats.
- The
reptile survey makes interesting, if specialist, reading.
The proposed hibernaculum seems very reptile and insect
friendly.
- The
path will not be floodlit. The plans propose low density
lights, designed to minimise spill, with columns every 40
metres or so.
Further
details can be found in the summary report by clicking here.
Ecological
scoping survey
The Ecological
scoping survey of the Crab and Winkle Line by Bramley Associates
can be found by
clicking here.
Reptile
Survey
The conclusions
of an independent reptile survey produced by Jacobs on 14th
November 2007:-
Bat
Survey
The conclusions
of an independent bat survey produced by Jacobs on 14th November
2007:-
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