Superhero to the rescue
WHEN an ancient woodland is under threat, who can you call? Captain America! These two young protesters have joined a campaign to save a nature haven in Barming which they say is threatened with destruction by development.
WILDLIFE and nature trusts have been enlisted by campaigners trying to protect an ancient woodland from development.
Dozens of supporters of Bluebell Wood off Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, gathered with placards to protest against plans which they say could destroy the irreplaceable wood.
The protest was sparked by plans drawn up by the developer Croudace that indicate a road could be driven through the wood, linking two proposed housing estates – one of 200 and one of 400 homes.
This is despite the council specifying there should be a 30m buffer zone between the housing and the wood.
Lib Dem councillors are leading the protests.
Cllr Tony Harwood said: “My field study has shown that the development would destroy virtually all the valuable fauna and flora in this wood.”
Jasper Gerard, the Lib Dem prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone who will be taking on Helen Grant at the next General Election, said: “This wood is even on the council’s own list of protected woodland. We just want to save the woodland. The strength of local feeling was clear for all to see at the protest. I hope very much the council will now listen.”
But Maidstone council’s cabi-
‘The strength of local feeling was clear for all to see at the protest’
net member for planning and development, Cllr Stephen Paine, denied there was a problem. He said: “Bluebell Wood is ancient woodland and is protected by national and local planning policies. In addition the borough council is proposing to put a buffer around the woodland. I have no doubt, Bluebell Wood will not be developed, because of the national and Maidstone Borough Council policies which protect it.”
The wood is a popular attraction for dog-walkers, children and nature lovers and is said to contain a host of wildflowers and wildlife.
Campaigners have appealed to the Woodland Trust; English Nature; Plantlife UK; Kent Wildlife Trust; Kent Reptile and Amphibian Group and the Invertebrate Conservation Trust to help defeat the plans.
To sign the online petition, click on: http:// tinyurl. com/ p23jsc7