EIR request submitted to @VOGCouncil yesterday requesting proof that the #Cosmeston farm housing development complies with #biodiversitynetgain requirements of the #EnvironmentAct. Looking forward to their response. They're currently one mature hedgerow down and counting...🧵
The area under development is a #biodiversity hotspot and is critical to migrating birds. Late summer sees thousands of hirundines flying low over the hedges and trees to feed on invertebrates before crossing the sea.
The 2023 State of Nature report revealed that Wales is one of the most nature depleted countries on the planet. Farmland birds alone have declined 29% since 1994. Land use change is a critical factor. stateofnature.org.uk/countries/wale…
The fields under development are wildlife rich and provide a vital component of a wider wildlife corridor with #cosmeston country park. I fear that one day the only sign of peregrine falcons, buzzards, merlin, bullfinch, redwing and fieldfare in the area will be on street signs.