Skylark site destruction

[k9]

Hi,HELP
We are trying to get as many voices as possible to help change the decision of Dudley MB Council decision to sell a 30year plus skylark site to developers.
The sale is in process as I type, and there is hardly any time left. The land is on the Russells Hall Estate of Dudley in the West Midlands, close to Barrow Hill Nature Reserve. Skylarks have lived and bred on this small area of land for over 30 years and are just completing a further successful year. Despite protests from residents Dudley Council are still selling. The plot is only small and we are sure an already concreted alternative site could be found instead of the destruction of this valuable site for the skylarks. There is nowhere close by for them to go.
Any emails to Dudley Wildlife Officer or to Dudley MPs (West Midlands) or voices from birders to them would be much appreciated. Time is running out for them. Thanks for your time folks, on behalf of the skylarks


k9

[Barrowhillbetty]

Just to say that this site is a Site of Importance for Local Nature Conservation (SLINC). Is SLINC status worthless ? It would seem so ! Perhaps other WAB members have expreience of fighting to save such sites and could pass on tips. Thanks

[djackso]

This is terrible - this story makes me angry - can you post any email addresses for WAB members to write to in order to voice their concerns?

[tigger]

We are currently fighting to save our Greenbelt around Corfe Mullen. I've started a project called Nature Watch, whereby residents send in their records/sightings to me so that I can collate them and send them to the Dorset Environmental Records Centre. There may be other things in that field... other than the gorgeous skylarks. Interesting insects, mammals, plants? you just don't know until you look. Then set up a Campaign Group of local people who don't want this to happen. Do a petition or ask for a meeting with the council, either way try to get publicity in your local papers (so that others realise what is happening). Push, pester and find out all the facts... (that is really important). Also get in contact with your local Wildlife Trust (they might be able to give you information about the site... or be able to give you advice for fighting the council). Has the sale gone through? When will it go through? Are there any council meetings before the sale is likely to go through? As a member of the public you are entitled to go to most council meetings, and have your say.. How come the council are able to sell this land (find out..)? It might be a long battle (ours has gone on for 4 years so far) but if you care, you have to do it! GOOD LUCK! Jane

[Jez]

Originally Posted by k9

Hi,HELP
We are trying to get as many voices as possible to help change the decision of Dudley MB Council decision to sell a 30year plus skylark site to developers.
The sale is in process as I type, and there is hardly any time left. The land is on the Russells Hall Estate of Dudley in the West Midlands, close to Barrow Hill Nature Reserve. Skylarks have lived and bred on this small area of land for over 30 years and are just completing a further successful year. Despite protests from residents Dudley Council are still selling. The plot is only small and we are sure an already concreted alternative site could be found instead of the destruction of this valuable site for the skylarks. There is nowhere close by for them to go.
Any emails to Dudley Wildlife Officer or to Dudley MPs (West Midlands) or voices from birders to them would be much appreciated. Time is running out for them. Thanks for your time folks, on behalf of the skylarks


k9

If it's one thing I think that Dudley needs Is this Habitat to stay as it is. Like djackso says, if you can post the email address then I'll be straight on to them!

Cheers

Lets hope our voices get heard!

[Barrowhillbetty]

Thank you for the advice, we are waiting for replies from several organisations which may be able to help. Unfortunately, my friend and fellow WAB member K9 received a reply from our local councillor confirming that the land was earmarked for housing way back in 2001, rather secretively it would seem or I would have known about it I can assure you! The councillor himself was not even aware of last weeks exhibition by the developers who are in the process of buying the land to build 200 houses ( Russells Hall estate already has 5 thousand houses! ) Why on earth did the council designate the field as an SLINC in 2005 ? What is worrying it that in the same year, nearby Barrow Hill was given LNR status, life in this crowded area would be unbearable if we lose that too! As a matter of interest, Dudley council also have a Biodiversity Action plan where two species are mentioned specifically - water voles and Skylarks, with the target of quote ' no site loss' Its a joke but not very funny. Rant over and just to say that besides the skylarks other birds on the site and nesting include green woodpeckers & song thrushes, butterfles I have noted are common blue, ringlet, meadow brown, small skipper, small heath, small copper & orange tip. Most of the field is grass of many species with lots of vetches and trefoils, cuckoo flowers and clovers. Frogs and toads are present too in the ditches.

Finally here is the email for the conservation officer at the council who last week assured me that no planning application had been received for the land and that the site is indeed an SLINC !

Nature.Conservation@dudley.gov.uk

[tigger]

YOU MUST NOT GIVE UP!

That is exactly what they are expecting. People Power plays a big part in saving wildlife nowadays... and public opinion is very powerful!

If you can, try and find other like minded people, so that you can form yourself into a group.

You may think there is nothing you can now do... but until they actually have planning permission there is actually loads you can do. Gathering as much information about the site, and about the processes in the council that have already taken place are vital. Read the minutes from the council meetings (should be on their website) and find out exactly what has been happening.

If the biodiversity Action plan says that these sites should be kept, then start fighting. Talk to EVERY SINGLE organisation you can think of who may be able to help, Wildlife Trusts, CPRE, local MP's, anyone...

IT ISN'T OVER UNTIL THE FAT WOMAN SINGS... or until the skylark stops! If you really care about this field then please, please do something to try and save it. It takes loads of time and energy, is frustrating and stressful at times but once that land has gone you will never get it back.

Rant over.... but I feel REALLY strongly about this.

[Durrell's Roadrunner]

please pm methe contact details and i will email the mp - WHY do humans cause so much havoc for nature? answer: GREED...........

[Jason Green]

Hi Durrell, the address is Nature.Conservation@dudley.gov.uk

I will word something as well. What beautiful land.

[k9]

Thanks to all for your messages, besides barrowhillbettys wildlife officer email here is our mp and link to dudley webpage.
We are so pleased with all your encouraging emails, thanks so much! k9



MP for dudley
austini@parliament.uk

and website at [url=http://www.dudley.gov.uk]