Advice re some development on land where water voles live

[vole-woman]

I wonder if anyone can help me?

There's a proposal going round my area that our local nature reserve be developed by flooding it and turning it into an angling lake, while the stream leading into it be widened to take canal boats nearer into the centre of town.

On paper it looks fantastic (model boating area, fishing, interpretation centre) and the idea's getting lots of interest and support. But at the moment, the place is a wild haven for butterflies and Water Voles - the most brilliant habitat - and I'm really worried that the improvements will do environmental damage (especially to the voles).

The people behind the plan already have outline planning consent, but I'm wondering, would they have to re-apply, or have some sort of new survey done now Water Voles have increased protection? Is there any way I (Joe Public) could press for an environmental expert to be part of the package when they look at putting together the fine detail of the plans?

The argument is that the place will be improved, but it's already beautiful, and superb Water Vole habitat. All I can see is that it's going to be a lot more man-managed! And what happens to the voles while they dig out this great boating/angling lake?

If I oppose the development straight out, I think I'm going to be a lone, unpopular voice. So if anyone has any ideas, advice or information, I'd be ever so grateful.

[Rob_D]

Sounds like a tricky one to fight because I'd expect more local people to be keen on having angling and boating than a wild place. I wish I was wrong, but I don't think the majority of people in Britain really appreciate wild places at all, except to empty their dogs. But don't let that put you off trying to stop or change a scheme that hasn't taken the wildlife into account. They shouldn't get away with that.

The way you describe it, I'd be bitterly opposed to the scheme myself - destroying or harming a nature reserve to make way for boating and angling apalls me. Does the nature reserve have any official status? Who owns the land/waterway?

It was mentioned in response to your post on the mammals forum, but Schedule 5 of W&C act does come into it "http://www.jncc.gov.uk/page-1815" for Water Voles.

"Subject to the provisions of this Part, if any person intentionally -
a) damages or destroys, or obstructs access to, any structure
or place which any wild animal included in Schedule 5
uses for shelter or protection; or
b) disturbs any such animal while it is occupying a
structure or place which it uses for that purpose,

he shall be guilty of an offence."

So regardless of the status of the nature reserve, I can't see that the local planning authorities can just ignore this legislation, can they? Your call for environmental input surely must be listened to at the very least. If you tell them they would be committing a crime, then that should get their attention.

What about contacting the local wildlife trust as a start, can they help?

Good on you for caring and hope you can get some help. I get the feeling alot of planning authorities know what they are doing will damage wildlife, but they hope no one speaks up so they can just ignore it.

[vole-woman]

Thank you, I'll try and find out who owns the land, and contact the wildlife trust.

"I get the feeling alot of planning authorities know what they are doing will damage wildlife, but they hope no one speaks up so they can just ignore it." - This has been my perception too, unfortunately.

[shirl]

I meet twice a year with the Riparian Species Action Group (which includes Water Voles) and there are members from all Derbyshire Councils present.I believe there is a process for planning applications to be reviewed in terms of wildlife impact before any development. Good idea to contact the local wildlife trust anyway who may already be involved - hopefully! I think as well since the new legislation came in earlier this year the rules will have been tightened further espcially with the new penalties in force.

Shirl

[vole-woman]

Thanks. I've spoken to the WT and reported what they've said here: Question about water voles and land development

Sometimes it seems like protecting Water Voles is a full time job.

[Darley]

Is there any way of combining these two 'vole' threads cos I'm getting confuddled lol

[diggleken]

Hope it all works out well - I remember a local canal, disused, but full of life, including Water Voles, was renovated.
Now its only OK for mallard and stocked fish for anglers and canal navigation with its attendant murky water -the voles have gone and there arent even any duckweed or dragonflies any more.
I think we beat a difficult path against money (including EU grants ) and developers.
Dont let them grind you down.
Ken

[vole-woman]

Cheers, Ken.

Sorry, Darley - I was trying to go for maximum coverage.

[coasty]

Post left on other thread,,,